hibakusha

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

30 Hibakusha apply for recognition of their illness as A-bomb related

On Mach 14, 30 atomic bomb survivors (Hibakusha) living in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto prefectures submitted applications at their respective prefectural governments for governmental recognition that the A-bombings caused their diseases.

They were the first group to take part in Hibakusha's 2nd concerted application for the recognition called for by the Japan Confederation of A and H Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Japan Hidankyo). More Hibakusha groups will apply for the recognition in coming months.

Among about 260,000 Hibakusha certificate holders in Japan, only 0.8 percent or about 2,000 have obtained the recognition by the Health Ministry and are eligible to receive medical benefits.

With the aim of heightening public opinion to press the government to remove all restrictions on the recognition, Japan Hidankyo is calling on as many Hibakusha as possible to take part in the concerted action.

In Tokyo, shortly before their submission of applications at the Tokyo Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health, 18 Hibakusha and about 50 supporters called on passers-by to support their action in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building.

At 12 district courts across the country, 169 Hibakusha have filed lawsuits demanding the revocation of the rejection of their applications.
- Akahata, March 15, 2006