Norwegian Nobel Committee chair pays tribute to atomic bomb victims in Nagasaki
His trip to Japan comes after Nihon Hidankyo, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, which represents atomic bomb survivors known as hibakusha of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was awarded last year's Nobel Peace Prize. Frydnes arrived in the city on Tuesday night following his trip to Hiroshima.
He then visited the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and viewed panels explaining the footsteps of Nihon Hidankyo and a banner bearing messages by atomic bomb survivors in Nagasaki. The banner had been brought to Oslo for the group's award ceremony.
At the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, he left a message in the guest book. The message reads, "Here in Nagasaki, a city marked by unimaginable loss, we honor those who died, those who remember, and those who have transformed their suffering into a lasting call for peace."
Frydnes told reporters that he was deeply moved by the atomic bomb survivors' testimonials and was at a loss for words.
He also said at a time of increasing uncertainty when nuclear arms pose a global threat, passing down hope to future generations and bearing the responsibility is what is most needed today.
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