In a solemn ceremony on December 10 in Oslo, Toshiyuki Mimaki, co-president of the Japanese foundation Nihon Hidankyo, accepted the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. Now 82 years old, Mimaki is a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bombing—a tragedy he experienced as a three-year-old. Through his advocacy, Mimaki has become a powerful voice for nuclear disarmament, ensuring the world remembers the devastating consequences of atomic warfare.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized Nihon Hidankyo for its unwavering commitment to disarmament, stating, “The hibakusha's moral compass is our legacy. Now it is up to us. The fight for disarmament requires persistent and vocal advocacy.”

Mimaki’s earliest memories are shaped by the destruction of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. “My mother, younger brother, and I were exposed to the bomb’s radiation while searching for my father,” he recounts. “Countless lives were lost, and buildings were consumed by flames to the extent that you could see all the way to the sea. My younger brother is now undergoing treatment for brain cancer.”

This profound loss has driven Mimaki to share his story with unflinching determination. Despite the pain, he believes in the power of testimony to prevent the recurrence of such horror.

One of the pivotal moments in Mimaki’s advocacy was his meeting with Pope Francis during the Pope’s 2019 visit to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. “I met  Pope when he came to visit us,” Mimaki says. “He gave me a medal in a red case, and I asked him to work toward abolishing nuclear weapons. I still treasure a photograph from that day.”

Pope Francis has been a vocal supporter of nuclear disarmament, emphasizing its moral and humanitarian necessity. Mimaki expresses deep gratitude for Pope’s dedication to this cause.

As the International Day of Peace approaches, Mimaki reflects on his role as a custodian of the hibakusha legacy. Nihon Hidankyo, established in 1956, unites survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings to advocate for nuclear disarmament.

“Hiroshima has taken steps to preserve these testimonies,” Mimaki explains. “The city has established programs to educate young people, training them to become messengers who can carry forward our stories for future generations.”

The urgency of this mission grows as the hibakusha age. Mimaki stresses the importance of ensuring their experiences are never forgotten.

Mimaki warns of the increasing normalization of nuclear weapons in global conflicts, particularly in Gaza and Ukraine. He is deeply concerned about rhetoric suggesting the potential use of atomic weapons.

“Russian President Putin has lowered the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, making them deployable at any moment,” he observes. “It’s a terrifying situation. I urge everyone to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki and see the Atomic Bomb Museum. Witness firsthand the devastating impact nuclear weapons have on human life.”

Mimaki’s message is clear: the continued existence of nuclear weapons poses an existential threat to humanity. “If nuclear weapons were ever used again,” he warns, “it would mean the end of humanity. This is why I implore leaders of nations with nuclear arsenals to commit to their complete elimination.”

Toshiyuki Mimaki’s journey from a child survivor to a global advocate for peace is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As he accepts the Nobel Peace Prize, he honors the legacy of the hibakusha while inspiring future generations to work toward a world free from nuclear weapons.