Terumi Tanaka es la voz de los Hibakusha y líder antinuclear

Terumi Tanaka, born on April 29, 1932, in Manchukuo, is a prominent Japanese activist known for his tireless advocacy for nuclear disarmament and world peace. As a survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, he has dedicated his life to campaigning for the abolition of nuclear weapons and sharing his personal experience to raise awareness of the horrors of nuclear war.

Early Life and Experience in Nagasaki

Born in Manchukuo, a region under Japanese occupation in what is now northeastern China, Tanaka moved to Nagasaki during his childhood. On August 9, 1945, at the age of 13, he witnessed the devastating atomic bombing of Nagasaki. His home, located about 3.2 kilometers from the hypocenter, was affected by the blast. Although he escaped with no serious injuries, he lost his grandfather, two uncles, an aunt, and a cousin in the tragedy. Tanaka recalls cremating his aunt in a nearby field days after the bombing.

Academic Career

After the war, Tanaka pursued a career in academia, eventually becoming an associate professor at the School of Engineering at Tohoku University. His scientific background gave him a unique perspective on the effects of radiation and the consequences of nuclear weapons, shaping his later work in activism.

Antinuclear Activism

In 1974, Tanaka began participating in activities supporting the hibakusha, survivors of the atomic bombings. In 2000, he became the secretary-general of Nihon Hidankyo, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations. From this position, he advocated for nuclear disarmament and urged the United States to apologize for the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Tanaka has consistently argued that the use of nuclear weapons is never justifiable and has also condemned nuclear tests conducted by other countries, including North Korea.

Recognition and Achievements

In October 2024, Nihon Hidankyo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating—through the testimony of the hibakusha—that such weapons must never be used again. As a representative of the organization, Tanaka attended the official press conference in Oslo, where he emphasized the importance of remembering the suffering caused by nuclear weapons and advocating for their complete abolition.

Controversies and Perspectives

Throughout his career, Tanaka has held firm in his convictions, which has occasionally sparked public debate. For instance, in 2016, following President Barack Obama’s speech in Hiroshima, Tanaka initially praised the remarks. However, after further reflection, he expressed disappointment over the lack of an explicit apology and noted that the language avoided direct responsibility. His reaction highlighted his commitment to historical truth and his call for genuine reconciliation.

Legacy and Future

At 92 years old, Terumi Tanaka remains an influential voice in the antinuclear movement. His personal testimony and dedication have inspired generations to fight for a world without nuclear arms. Although he has announced plans to step back from active roles in Nihon Hidankyo, his legacy lives on in global disarmament efforts and public awareness of the dangers posed by nuclear weapons.