Empress Masako Hails Nobel Peace Prize for Hiroshima and Nagasaki Survivors as a Key Moment for Global Peace

Tokyo, The Gulf Observer: Japanese Empress Masako has described the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, an organization of atomic bombing survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as a profound reminder of the importance of global peace efforts.

In a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency on Monday, marking her 61st birthday, Empress Masako reflected on the pain and resilience of the survivors, known as hibakusha, and their long-standing efforts toward nuclear disarmament.

“This year’s Nobel Peace Prize reminded me of the importance for the people of the world to strive for mutual understanding and work together to build a peaceful world,” she said.

A Historic Recognition for Nuclear Disarmament

Hidankyo received the prestigious honor for its decades of activism against nuclear weapons. Thirty hibakusha will attend Tuesday’s Nobel Prize ceremony in Oslo, including Terumi Tanaka, a 91-year-old survivor of the Nagasaki bombing.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Tanaka shared his intention to amplify the survivors’ message: “I plan to make an even stronger plea for what hibakusha have sought and convey our hope for younger generations to take over.”

Preserving the Legacy of Peace

The hibakusha see the Nobel recognition as a crucial opportunity to pass their message to future generations, urging the abolition of nuclear weapons. Empress Masako’s sentiments echo their mission, highlighting the enduring impact of the survivors’ struggles and their vision for a nuclear-free world.

The award underscores the global responsibility to remember the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki while fostering efforts toward lasting peace.