Japanese groups unite for nuclear abolition

It was the first time ever for the groups to come together for such a unified statement, which was unveiled ahead of the 80th anniversary next month of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the closing days of World War II.

The Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs, also known as Gensuikyo, and the Japan Congress against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs, or Gensuikin, partnered with the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organization, or Nihon Hidankyo, to issue the appeal.

The antinuclear movement gained momentum in 1954 after the 23-member crew of Fukuryu Maru No. 5, a Japanese fishing boat, was exposed to radioactive fallout from a U.S. hydrogen bomb test.

Gensuikyo and Nihon Hidankyo were founded in the wake of intensifying public sentiment. Gensuikin was established in 1965 after splitting from Gensuikyo.

"I'm deeply moved by the cooperation of large organizations on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings," Terumi Tanaka, 93, co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo, said at a press conference.

He expressed hopes that the collaboration will encourage hibakusha atomic bomb survivors who are yet to share their experiences to testify.

"The task of spreading the reality of atomic bombings is a challenge for all humanity," Yayoi Tsuchida, 68, a senior Gensuikyo official, said.

Masashi Tani, 45, secretary-general of Gensuikin, said "We urge the government to take action, such as by ratifying the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons," noting that "the international community is watching how Japan marks the 80th anniversary."

"As the danger of nuclear weapons use grows, Japan's role is becoming increasingly important," the joint appeal said.

"It is important to appeal against the inhumanity of nuclear weapons in Japan and globally by transcending differences in position."