Japanese survivors of the atomic bombings have expressed deep concern that the world may be moving closer to nuclear conflict following the expiration of the last remaining arms control agreement between the United States and Russia.
The New START treaty officially expired on February 5 after US President Donald Trump declined to act on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to extend the limits on nuclear warheads for another year.
Terumi Tanaka, co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo—the organization representing survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings—said the global community appears to be underestimating the seriousness of the situation. The group, known for its strong pacifist stance, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024.
Speaking at a press briefing alongside other campaigners, Tanaka warned that the world could face nuclear destruction in the foreseeable future. The 93-year-old expressed concern that people in nuclear-armed countries may view such weapons as symbols of national strength rather than threats to humanity.
The United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, killing approximately 140,000 people in Hiroshima and 74,000 in Nagasaki, with many deaths resulting from radiation exposure. Japan surrendered shortly afterward, bringing World War II to an end. These bombings remain the only instance of nuclear weapons being used in war.
Anti-nuclear activists have cautioned that the treaty’s expiration could trigger a new arms race between major nuclear powers and potentially encourage China to increase its nuclear stockpile. The United States has maintained that any future agreement should include China.
However, campaigners criticized Japan’s government for not doing enough to promote arms control in East Asia or engage China in meaningful discussions. Hideo Asano of the Japan Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons said there has been little effort to foster dialogue with Beijing.
In response, the Japanese government reiterated its commitment to arms control and disarmament, stating it would continue working closely with the United States and other key nations, including Russia and China, to establish a stronger framework for nuclear weapons regulation.
