Survivors urge world to sign nuclear weapons ban treaty
- Survivors of the atomic bombings have continued to speak out against nuclear weapons over the decades.
- Japan commemorates the 80th anniversary of the bombings, reflecting on the consequences of wartime actions.
- Calls for nuclear disarmament emphasize the need for international cooperation to ensure peace.
In Japan, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and August 9, 1945, respectively, left a legacy of devastation, with survivors, known as hibakusha, continuing to share their experiences. As the nation observes the 80th anniversary of these bombings in 2025, Japan’s identity and role in the global arena are shifting, as seen through recent military assertiveness and diplomatic engagements. The bombings killed hundreds of thousands and left countless others suffering from radiation exposure, health issues, and lifelong trauma. Survivors remain vocal advocates against nuclear weapons, emphasizing the importance of international agreements to prevent future nuclear warfare. Nihon Hidankyo, a group representing atomic bomb survivors, has emphasized the urgency for countries to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which aims to eliminate nuclear arms globally, fostering a culture of peace and security. While Japan's government has taken steps toward enhancing its military presence, public sentiment remains strongly opposed to nuclear weapons due to the collective memory of the bombings. With fewer hibakusha alive today, their testimonies are crucial for future generations as Japan grapples with its post-war identity and the implications of nuclear deterrence theory on global peace and security.