Hiroshima survivors' group urges Hidankyo continue with 2nd, 3rd generations
In short
Hiroshima Prefecture's A-bomb survivors' organization has compiled an opinion that Nihon Hidankyo should keep operating with second- and third-generation survivors at its centre once survivors can no longer take part or die, according to people involved. The group is expected to bring the view to a meeting of Hidankyo's prefectural representatives on October 8. Hidankyo had proposed in June that, with survivors ageing, it debate its future and reach a conclusion at next year's general meeting.
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Hiroshima Prefecture Hidankyo has compiled an opinion that Nihon Hidankyo, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, should be kept going with second- and third-generation survivors at its centre even if A-bomb survivors can no longer be active or die, people involved said, according to Sankei Shimbun and Nishi-Nippon Shimbun. The group is expected to convey that view at a meeting of Hidankyo's prefectural representatives on October 8, the two reports said. [ 1 , 3 ]
Hidankyo proposed at its regular general meeting in June that, with survivors ageing, it discuss the future shape of the national organisation and its local branches, and that a conclusion be reached at next year's general meeting, the reports said. Nishi-Nippon Shimbun, citing the health ministry, put the average age of A-bomb survivors at 86.66 as of the end of March this year. [ 1 , 3 ]
A person involved with the Hiroshima group, quoted by Sankei Shimbun, said the international situation over nuclear weapons is severe and Japan's three non-nuclear principles are wavering, and that the goal of abolishing nuclear weapons is only halfway achieved. [ 1 ]
Why it matters
The documents frame the question as who will carry on the organisation once survivors are gone, at a time when the group says the nuclear disarmament goal it pursues is only halfway met. A conclusion is due at Hidankyo's general meeting next year, so the Hiroshima proposal feeds into a decision that would shape how the national organisation and its local branches continue.
Key facts
- Hiroshima Prefecture Hidankyo compiled an opinion that the organisation should be kept going with second- and third-generation survivors at its centre even if A-bomb survivors can no longer be active or die. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Hidankyo proposed at its regular general meeting in June that, amid the ageing of survivors, it discuss the future of the national organisation and local branches and reach a conclusion at next year's general meeting. [ 1 , 3 ]
- The average age of A-bomb survivors was 86.66 as of the end of March this year, according to the health ministry. [ 3 ]
- Hiroshima Prefecture Hidankyo is expected to convey its opinion at a meeting of Hidankyo's prefectural representatives on October 8. [ 1 , 3 ]
- A person involved with the Hiroshima group said the international situation over nuclear weapons is severe and Japan's three non-nuclear principles are wavering, and that the goal of abolishing nuclear weapons is only halfway achieved. [ 1 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Hiroshima Prefecture Hidankyo compiled an opinion that the organisation should continue with second- and third-generation survivors at its centre. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Hidankyo proposed at its June general meeting to discuss the future of the organisation and its local branches and to reach a conclusion at next year's general meeting. [ 1 , 3 ]
- Hiroshima Prefecture Hidankyo is expected to present its opinion at the October 8 meeting of prefectural representatives. [ 1 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- Whether Hidankyo's national leadership accepts the Hiroshima proposal, and what the eventual conclusion on the organisation's future will be. The documents say only that a conclusion is sought at next year's general meeting; no decision or response from Hidankyo is reported.
- How many other local survivors' organisations share the Hiroshima position. Only the Hiroshima prefectural group's opinion is reported; no other prefectural group is cited.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Sankei Shimbun reports that Hiroshima Prefecture Hidankyo has compiled an opinion calling for the organisation to continue with second- and third-generation survivors at its centre. [ 1 ]
- Tokyo Shimbun carries the same development under the headline that the organisation should continue centred on second- and third-generation survivors. [ 2 ]
- Nishi-Nippon Shimbun reports the opinion and cites health ministry figures putting the average age of A-bomb survivors at 86.66 as of the end of March. [ 3 ]