On 15 May 2025, in the Special Room on Basement Level 1 of the First Members’ Office Building of the House of Representatives, a meeting was held between former presidents, prime ministers, UN Secretaries-General and Nobel Peace Prize laureates who make up The Elders, and non-partisan Diet members of The Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation. Speaking during the session, Tomoko Kami recalled her long-standing efforts toward the abolition of nuclear weapons, expressed delight at Nihon Hidankyo’s Nobel recognition, and pledged to continue pursuing global peace and the elimination of nuclear arms. Reporter: Koki Imon
Full text of Councillor Tomoko Kami’s remarks
It is a great honour to meet the members of The Elders today. My name is Tomoko Kami, and I serve as Chair of the Japanese Communist Party’s parliamentary group.
The world is undergoing many upheavals. For example, more than three years have passed since the assault on Gaza and the invasion of Ukraine, and these tragedies weigh heavily on my heart; I fervently hope they will be resolved soon. Amid such turmoil, there is one piece of good news: this year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings, and Nihon Hidankyo has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
This honour recognises the hibakusha who, at the risk of their lives, have continued to testify to the reality of the bombings before the international community. Their voices have finally reached the world. I am overjoyed, and precisely because of the times we live in, I believe we must redouble our efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons and of war itself.
One of today’s guests from The Elders—former Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj—is wearing the same badge as I am: a badge that proclaims our commitment to eliminating nuclear arms. I earnestly hope we can join forces in this endeavour.