"This grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha, receives the Peace Prize for their struggle to achieve a world free from nuclear weapons and to show through testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again," according to the motivation.
The Committee's Chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes says that the members are worried that the use of atomic weapons may no longer be unthinkable.
This year's prize focuses on the need to maintain this nuclear taboo. We all have a responsibility, especially nuclear powers, he says according to media on site.
Ukraine and Gaza
Toshiyuki Mimaki, one of Nihon Hidankyos leaders, says that the atomic bomb issue is unfortunately constantly high on the agenda.
It is said that atomic bombs maintain peace. But they can also be used by terrorists, he says to a press gathering in Japan, and adds:
If Russia uses them against Ukraine, or Israel against Gaza, it will not end with that. Politicians must be aware of this.
In Gaza, bleeding children are being held in arms. It is like in Japan 80 years ago.
He points out that the survivors from 1945, who often became orphans in the US bombings, are now "on average 85 years old".
I hope that the next generation, and the public, participate in the work for peace – peace without atomic bombs.
Mimaki also exclaims that he "never could have dreamed of winning the Nobel Peace Prize", according to the news agency AFP. Nihon Hidankyo has, however, often been among the favorites for the Nobel Peace Prize, even if it has been several years since the organization was mentioned.
Did not understand
The organization was top-tipped in 2005 – and the representatives then became clearly irritated over being overlooked, when the prize that time went to the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA and its chief Mohamed ElBaradei.
Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba praises that it is finally their turn.
The fact that the prize has been awarded to this organization, which has spent many years working to abolish nuclear weapons, is extremely significant, he says according to AFP.
Nihon Hidankyo has existed since 1956. According to the organization's website, it is Japan's only national organization for survivors of the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.
This year's Peace Prize is the eighth time the recipient is awarded for work related to atomic bombs.
The first time was 1962, in the midst of the Cold War, when the American chemist Linus Pauling was awarded the prize for his struggle against the nuclear arms race between East and West.
Last time the prize went to a person or organization connected to the issue was 2017. Then, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (Ican) received the prize.
Other years when the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to an actor for work against nuclear weapons are: 1974, 1982, 1985, 1995, 2005.
Source: nobelprize.org
