The number of surviving hibakusha—the term for survivors of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—has dropped to 91,105 as of the end of March this year, according to the welfare ministry. This figure represents a decline of 8,025 individuals compared to the previous year, as the average age of the survivor population continues to rise, reaching 86.66 years.
Declining Population Trends
The population of certified atomic bomb survivors has been in a steady decline for decades. According to Ministry data, the number of living hibakusha peaked at 372,264 in 1981. Since that time, the total has consistently decreased, falling below 300,000 in 2000 and dropping under 200,000 in 2014.
The most recent ministry report confirms that the current population of 91,105 includes 33,232 survivors in Hiroshima and 15,582 in Nagasaki. The remaining survivors reside across other regions of Japan, with notable concentrations in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
Survivor Demographics and Aging
The average age of survivors has increased from 86.13 to 86.66 years over the last year. This aging trend presents a challenge for the preservation of historical accounts. The ministry has been announcing the number of living hibakusha as of the end of March every year since the issuance of the victim certificate started in 1957.
To address the loss of firsthand accounts, the ministry sought testimonies from all living hibakusha for the first time in 30 years in 2025, when Japan marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings. A ministry official stated, "Amid the aging of hibakusha, we want to increase opportunities to hear from them."
Historical Context of the Bombings
The United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and on Nagasaki three days later. These events, which occurred in the closing days of World War II, resulted in immediate mass casualties and long-term health consequences for those exposed to radiation.
Statistical Summary of Survivor Population
| Year | Total Number of Hibakusha |
|---|---|
| 1981 (Peak) | 372,264 |
| 2000 | < 300,000 |
| 2014 | < 200,000 |
| 2023 | 99,130 |
| 2024 | 91,105 |
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is considered a hibakusha?
A hibakusha is a person with a victim certificate.
Why is the number of survivors falling?
The decline is primarily due to the advanced age of the survivor population. As of the end of March this year, the average age is 86.66 years.
What is the government doing to preserve survivor stories?
The ministry sought testimonies from all living hibakusha for the first time in 30 years in 2025 and will do so again this year.