Impact of the First Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

The United States dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, killing at least 70,000 people instantly. Another 70,000 died from injuries and radiation sickness by the end of the year. A second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki three days later, resulting in 40,000 immediate deaths.

Nuclear Weapons: Historical Context and Current Concerns

• Despite the increase in nuclear weapons from one country to nine since 1945 and advancements in their sophistication, these weapons have not been used again in conflict, establishing a norm of non-use.
• Recent geopolitical tensions and advancements in nuclear weaponry put this norm under significant strain.

The Role of Hibakusha

• The survivors of the atomic attacks, known as Hibakusha, have been pivotal in advocating for the elimination of nuclear weapons, highlighting the severe human consequences of nuclear warfare.

Suppression and Revelation of Nuclear Effects

• Post-war Japan was under American occupation, and information regarding the effects of the nuclear bombings was initially suppressed.
• The 1954 Castle Bravo thermonuclear test exposed the Fukuryu Maru fishing boat to radioactive fallout, making radiation sickness widely known in Japan.

Debate on Nuclear Norms and Deterrence

• There is an ongoing debate on whether the norm of non-use stems more from the moral arguments made by the Hibakusha or the strategic logic of nuclear deterrence. 
• The current arsenal includes sophisticated nukes intended for various scenarios.

Legal and Treaty Frameworks

• The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty limit the proliferation and testing of nuclear weapons but do not prohibit their use.
• The International Court of Justice stated in 1996 that the use of nuclear weapons would generally contravene international law, although no definitive legal ruling on their use exists.

Contemporary Challenges and the Importance of Historical Lessons

• Recent nuclear rhetoric from countries like Russia over Ukraine challenges the established norm.
• Historical lessons from the Hibakusha and incidents like the Fukuryu Maru incident underscore the ongoing dangers of nuclear complacency.

Significance of Hibakusha's Recognition

• The Nihon Hidankyo, an organization formed by the survivors, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024, reflecting their long-standing efforts towards disarmament. 
• The recognition came after decades of advocacy, coinciding with renewed concerns about nuclear weapons in Europe.