The Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Law is not applicable to atomic bomb survivors residing abroad. Therefore, until now, various programs such as health consultations were conducted instead for the overseas survivors, depending on the circumstances of the country they are residing in.

There have been many court cases to include overseas survivors within the scope of this law, and cries for relief have been increasing. Against this backdrop, the government established an investigative commission to address this issue, and in December 2001, publicly announced its “Outline of Immediate Measures to be taken concerning Relief of Overseas Atomic Bomb Survivors” and took budgetary steps.

Below are measures to be taken:
“ Preparations will be completed within three years so that all Overseas Atomic Bomb Survivors will be able to visit Japan and receive Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificates. Those who are unable to travel to Japan for health and other reasons will be provided with the Atomic Bomb SurvivorÅfs Statement of Recognition.” Details of each specific program can be found on this website. Programs commenced on June 1st, 2002.

At first, only four municipalities (Nagasaki Prefecture, Nagasaki City, Hiroshima Prefecture and Hiroshima City) were selected to execute these programs, but the outline has been amended and all prefectures will be able to execute the “Support Program for those visiting Japan for Issuance of Certificate” and the “Support Program for those visiting Japan for Medical Treatment” starting in August of 2004. However, the four municipalities are the only ones currently executing these programs.

>What is the definition of an Atomic Bomb Survivor?