Nihon Hidankyo to conduct survey of all Diet members ahead of 80th A-bombing anniversary
Oct. 11, 2024
by Fumiyasu Miyano, Staff Writer
On October 10, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) concluded its two-day meeting in Tokyo gathering representatives from the organization’s prefectural organizations throughout Japan. Nihon Hidankyo confirmed its plans to conduct a survey of all members of Japan’s national Diet, including the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors, in conjunction with next year’s 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing. With the aim of eliminating nuclear weapons, the organization plans to gain understanding about the stances of each Diet member. At the same time, using the survey, the group will convey its own position to the Diet members.
Jiro Hamasumi, 78, deputy secretary-general of the organization, revealed a working plan for the survey that had been proposed at the meeting. Mr. Hamasumi said the plan calls for the survey to inquire about whether or not there is support for ratification of the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), for national government compensation of A-bombing damages to survivors, and for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishida’s favored policy of “nuclear-sharing” with the United States.
Nihon Hidankyo also indicated it was discussing such activities as making demands to the embassies of nuclear-armed nations and holding demonstrations in front of the prime minister’s residence, adding that work would be carried out in collaboration with young people and other anti-nuclear groups. From the venue audience, a question was raised about whether the organization “would once again place its focus on a campaign to seek national compensation.” The organization’s secretariat responded that it would deliberate on the question within the organization.
Regarding the reports of activities made by each member organization, Tetsuji Kumada, 67, secretary-general of Hiroshima Hidankyo (chaired by Tomoyuki Mimaki), explained his hope to “organize second-generation survivors” while seeking the expansion of health screenings for the second-generation by local governments. On October 11, Nihon Hidankyo directors and representatives of its member groups will call on Diet members from the ruling and opposition parties as well as the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to enhance support measures for A-bomb survivors, among other demands.
(Originally published on October 11, 2024)
On October 10, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) concluded its two-day meeting in Tokyo gathering representatives from the organization’s prefectural organizations throughout Japan. Nihon Hidankyo confirmed its plans to conduct a survey of all members of Japan’s national Diet, including the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors, in conjunction with next year’s 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing. With the aim of eliminating nuclear weapons, the organization plans to gain understanding about the stances of each Diet member. At the same time, using the survey, the group will convey its own position to the Diet members.
Jiro Hamasumi, 78, deputy secretary-general of the organization, revealed a working plan for the survey that had been proposed at the meeting. Mr. Hamasumi said the plan calls for the survey to inquire about whether or not there is support for ratification of the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), for national government compensation of A-bombing damages to survivors, and for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishida’s favored policy of “nuclear-sharing” with the United States.
Nihon Hidankyo also indicated it was discussing such activities as making demands to the embassies of nuclear-armed nations and holding demonstrations in front of the prime minister’s residence, adding that work would be carried out in collaboration with young people and other anti-nuclear groups. From the venue audience, a question was raised about whether the organization “would once again place its focus on a campaign to seek national compensation.” The organization’s secretariat responded that it would deliberate on the question within the organization.
Regarding the reports of activities made by each member organization, Tetsuji Kumada, 67, secretary-general of Hiroshima Hidankyo (chaired by Tomoyuki Mimaki), explained his hope to “organize second-generation survivors” while seeking the expansion of health screenings for the second-generation by local governments. On October 11, Nihon Hidankyo directors and representatives of its member groups will call on Diet members from the ruling and opposition parties as well as the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to enhance support measures for A-bomb survivors, among other demands.
(Originally published on October 11, 2024)
