Photo/Illutration Representatives from Nagasaki atomic bomb survivor organizations meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Aug. 9, 2022, in Nagasaki. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

NAGASAKI--For the first time, atomic bomb survivors who do not qualify for official “hibakusha” status will join the annual meeting between Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and representatives from victims’ organizations.

The invitation will be given to “atomic bomb survivors” who were exposed to radioactive fallout in the World War II nuclear attack but did not live in the government’s designated “A-bombed zone.”

This technicality bars them from being recognized as hibakusha and obtaining the Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificate.

Holders of the certificate can receive medical allowances, among other support from the government.

“I want to show other uncertified sufferers that I met the prime minister,” survivor Chiyoko Iwanaga, 88, said through tears.

Iwanaga is among those not recognized as a hibakusha.

The Hiroshima High Court in 2021 ruled that residents exposed to radioactive “black rain” outside the state-recognized zone following the atomic bombing on the city on Aug. 6, 1945, are entitled to the same benefits as those given to hibakusha who resided within the zone.

This ruling, however, did not extend to cases in Nagasaki because of the government’s stance that there is no objective record of black rain falling beyond the designated zone for the city.

The atomic bomb experiencers, who have health concerns, are seeking government relief measures.

These include being issued separate certification booklets that would entitle them to medical treatment and other benefits.

The yearly meeting follows a peace memorial ceremony and is usually attended by the prime minister and health minister.

At these meetings, representatives of survivor organizations have implored the government to join the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and to enhance medical treatments for survivors.

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