Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru: I would like to express my sincere respect and appreciation for your efforts over the years.

Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru met with members of Nihon Hidankyo on January 8, which won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2024.

During the meeting, Ishiba congratulated the group on the win, with the group members asking for relief for Hibakusha and efforts to realize a world without nuclear weapons.

In response, Ishiba explained the current severe security environment but also conveyed his recognition that they share the same desire for a nuclear-free world in the future.

Tanaka Terumi, Nihon Hidankyo Co-chairperson: We will persistently request a press conference with the government and the Prime Minister to discuss the issue, while making various orders to the government.

Tanaka indicated that he would like to reiterate the group’s request for a nuclear-free world.