Japanese Atomic Bomb Survivors Organizations Face Critical Threat as Survivors Age

Next August will mark 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As hibakusha continue to age, survivors organizations across the country are facing a threat to their existence.

According to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, the number of people nationwide who hold Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificates stood at 106,825 as of the end of March this year. This is about 86,000 less than 10 years ago and the average age of holders is 85.58. There is a possibility that the figure will fall below 100,000 next year.