Empress Masako emphasizes the urgent need for global peace after Nobel recognition

On December 8, 2024, Japanese Empress Masako commented on the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, an organization representing survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This award served as a significant reminder of the suffering endured by these survivors, now known as hibakusha, and the persistent efforts of individuals dedicated to nuclear disarmament. Empress Masako's statement was released on her 61st birthday and underscores her deep concern for the plight of atomic bomb victims, reflecting on their pain and the continuing struggle for peace. She noted that the global community must work collectively toward mutual understanding in order to build a peaceful world. The award ceremony in Oslo was to feature speeches from 30 atomic bombing survivors on December 9, where Terumi Tanaka, a 91-year-old survivor from Nagasaki, planned to vocalize their demands for the abolition of nuclear weapons. The event also served as a critical opportunity for these survivors to convey their hopes to younger generations, ensuring that their experiences and the call for disarmament are not forgotten. Tanaka expressed his concern over the lack of understanding regarding the True impact of their sufferings, emphasizing the urgency of raising awareness about the need for a nuclear-free future. Japan experienced two atomic bombings during World War II—on August 6, 1945, in Hiroshima and on August 9, 1945, in Nagasaki—resulting in immense loss of life and long-term suffering. Masako's reflections, coming at a significant moment of recognition for the hibakusha, resonate with the historical context of Japan's wartime aggression and highlight the ongoing challenges of nuclear disarmament efforts in a world still threatened by the existence of nuclear weapons. Empress Masako, who has faced personal struggles in her life, including adjustment disorder since 2003 after the birth of her only child, Princess Aiko, continues to make public appearances while advocating for peace. The significance of her remarks and the award presented to Nihon Hidankyo signal a collective aspiration for a future free from the terror of nuclear warfare, reinforcing the belief that understanding and cooperation are crucial in preventing future conflicts.