Nuclear predicament looms over Japan eight decades following atomic attacks, as atomic bomb survivors advance in age
In a perilous nuclear age where artificial intelligence may drive decision-making, Melissa Parke of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons warns of the urgent need for human judgment in nuclear policy-making. This call for action comes as Japan finds itself in a precarious position, surrounded by assertive countries like China and North Korea that are developing nuclear capabilities.
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which occurred 80 years ago, continue to shape Japan's stance on nuclear weapons. The experiences of the atomic bomb survivors, known as hibakusha, have played a pivotal role in shaping the nuclear taboo. However, with the average age of hibakusha being over 86, there is a pressing need for younger generations to carry forward the message of "no more hibakusha."
Terumi Tanaka, a key figure in Nihon Hidankyo, believes that a government that supports policies like nuclear deterrence ultimately reflects the will of the citizens. Tanaka, at 93, expresses a desire to see his efforts culminate in the signing and ratification of the nuclear ban treaty by Japan and meaningful steps towards eliminating nuclear weapons.
Japan can maintain its role in advocating for nuclear disarmament by continuing to honor and amplify the testimonies and legacy of the hibakusha while actively supporting and promoting international legal frameworks such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
For broader arms control, alternative approaches could include strengthening multilateral treaties like the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), leveraging the TPNW as a complementary legal instrument, investing in younger professionals and activists, and promoting dialogue and cooperation to build a foundation of nonviolence and peace diplomacy.
Despite Japan’s current government reluctance to join the TPNW, emphasizing local and civil society initiatives and international solidarity can keep disarmament central to Japan’s identity. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has stated that the Japanese government is committed to defending the country while working towards nuclear disarmament. However, it is unlikely that the Japanese government will abandon its reliance on the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
Mitsuhiro Hayashida, a descendant of a bomb survivor, founded Peace Education Lab Nagasaki in 2023 to provide training on the broader history of World War II and its connection to the atomic bombings. The Hiroshima and Nagasaki city governments are training future generations to become "storytellers" to carry forward the account of the atomic bombings.
In conclusion, Japan’s continued leadership depends on bridging its complex security reliance on U.S. nuclear deterrence with a strong civil society and international commitment to legal disarmament measures, empowering new generations, and advocating for comprehensive arms control frameworks that go beyond nuclear weapons alone.
- Melissa Parke, from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, urges for human judgment in nuclear policy-making, considering the potential role of AI in decision-making during a perilous nuclear age.
- As Japan navigates its position surrounded by nations developing nuclear capabilities, the legacy of atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha) remains crucial in shaping the nation's stance on nuclear weapons.
- Terumi Tanaka, a key figure in Nihon Hidankyo, desires to witness the signing and ratification of the nuclear ban treaty by Japan, and meaningful steps towards eliminating nuclear weapons in the younger generations.
- In addition to upholding hibakusha testimonies, Japan can strengthen its position in advocating for nuclear disarmament by promoting international legal frameworks such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
- Mitsuhiro Hayashida founded Peace Education Lab Nagasaki in 2023 to educate future generations about World War II and the atomic bombings, further ensuring the account of these events continues to be carried forward.
