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Promoting a Nuclear-Free World: Japanese Delegation at NPT Review Conference

From April 24 to May 1, 2023, a delegation consisting of members from Pal System Tokyo and the Pal System Federation, alongside the Japan National Congress of Atomic Bomb Survivors, attended the NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons) Review Conference at the United Nations in New York City. Led by Chairpersons Yoko Nishimura and Akihiro Shibusawa, the 42-member delegation engaged in activities aimed at abolishing nuclear weapons.

Peace March Leads the Way

On April 26, prior to the official opening of the Review Conference, the delegation participated in a peace march that attracted nearly 300 participants, highlighting the voices of atomic bomb survivors and peace organizations from various countries, including South Korea. The march commenced near the public library close to Times Square, traversing 1.5 kilometers through notable landmarks such as Grand Central Terminal and Chrysler Building, all the way to the UN headquarters. Participants were met with applause and encouragement from onlookers, spreading their crucial message for a world devoid of nuclear weapons and war.

Significant Events and Highlights

The Review Conference officially began on April 27, during which the delegation attended discussions and events at the UN headquarters. One notable event was the opening ceremony of the exhibition on the atomic bomb, attended by key figures such as Hiroshi Hamazume, Secretary-General of the Japan National Congress of Atomic Bomb Survivors, as well as mayors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This exhibition, which aims to raise awareness about the realities of nuclear weapons, runs until June 1, 2023.

Various symposiums and forums across the city saw overwhelming attendance, surpassing venue capacities. Survivors shared personal accounts of their experiences, drawing in serious engagement from attendees. The discussions illuminated a global concern — a growing disconnect regarding the impacts of nuclear weapon use, especially among younger generations who were not there during the Cold War or outdoor nuclear tests.

Government representatives and NGOs convened with notable personalities, including Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, and various ambassadors and members of parliaments from countries such as Sweden and Albania. Post-conference, some delegation members remained in New York to deliver speeches, advocate for nuclear disarmament, and engage in discussions with representatives from nations including Russia and France.

Sharing Powerful Testimonies

Hiroshi Hamazume shared a poignant testimony as “the youngest atomic bomb survivor,” expressing the profound impact of pre-natal exposure to radiation. With his words resonating powerfully, he stated, “Experiencing suffering without the ability to live or die is a reality faced by those affected before birth. I continue to advocate that 'nuclear weapons cannot coexist with humanity.'”

The participation of the Japanese delegation at the NPT Review Conference reflects a collective commitment to fostering a global dialogue centered on peace, cooperation, and the urgent necessity for a nuclear-free world. Their efforts underscore the importance of remembering the past while striving to influence the future positively.

Background of the Organizations

Pal System Tokyo operates from its headquarters in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with a membership of over 539,000 cooperative members and an investment capital of 22.57 billion yen as of the end of March 2025. The Pal System Federation, which serves various regions in Japan, has a total business volume exceeding 260.42 billion yen and operates with 1.76 million members. Both organizations remain committed to promoting social responsibility and actively participating in global movements aiming at peace and nuclear disarmament.