During a meeting with members of the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo), Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba refrained from stating whether Japan would participate as an observer in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons consultation scheduled for March. When pressed on the issue, Ishiba did not provide a clear response, noting Japan's status as a nation under the U.S. nuclear umbrella and its decision not to sign the treaty.
Co-chair Terumi Tanaka expressed the organization's desire for Ishiba to reconvene with them after congratulating Hidankyo on their receipt of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, which he called a significant achievement. While acknowledging their efforts, Ishiba underscored Japan's commitment to nuclear deterrence given the nuclear ambitions of countries such as China, Russia, and North Korea, stating that the international landscape was extremely challenging.
Additionally, the Hidankyo representatives asked Ishiba for government compensation for hibakusha, survivors of the atomic bombings, as well as support for other individuals affected by the bombing in Nagasaki in 1945 who are not recognized as hibakusha. Ishiba did not respond to this request either, leading Tanaka to voice her disappointment in the meeting's outcomes, indicating that it did not yield productive results for Hidankyo. This meeting marked Ishiba's first engagement with senior Hidankyo officials since assuming office in October of the previous year. Tetsuo Saito, the leader of Komeito, which is a junior partner in the ruling coalition, was also in attendance and had advocated for the meeting.
11 Comments
Karamba
Ishiba's stance is hypocritical! Japan calls for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, yet refuses to take similar steps itself.
Rotfront
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is unrealistic! As long as other countries possess these weapons, Japan cannot afford to disarm unilaterally.
Matzomaster
It is important to be cautious about treaties that may not be effective! The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons has been criticized by some experts for its lack of enforcement mechanisms.
Karamba
Recognizing all victims of the atomic bombings is important! The government should continue to work towards providing support to all those affected.
Rotfront
Compensation for hibakusha is a complex issue! The government needs to carefully consider all aspects of this issue before making a decision.
KittyKat
Japan should be a leader for peace, not a follower of war! By staying under the US nuclear umbrella, Japan is perpetuating the threat of nuclear weapons instead of working towards their elimination.
Loubianka
Ishiba is committed to supporting the victims of the atomic bombings! He has acknowledged their suffering and the importance of their message.
Katchuka
Shameful! Shigeru Ishiba's refusal to participate in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is a betrayal to the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and a slap in the face to all who long for a world free from these horrific weapons.
Eugene Alta
Ishiba is balancing the need for security with the desire for peace! He is a leader who understands the complexities of this issue and is working to find the best solutions for Japan.
KittyKat
Nuclear weapons are a necessary evil in the current world order! While we should strive for a world without them, we cannot ignore the reality of the current security situation.
Katchuka
Nuclear weapons are an existential threat to humanity! We need leaders who are committed to their elimination, not those who perpetuate their existence.