The Norwegian Nobel Institute—serving as the secretariat of the Norwegian Nobel Committee—will host the inaugural Nobel Peace Prize Conference, "Responding to the Threat of Nuclear Arms," on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Sophia University’s Yotsuya Campus in Tokyo, Japan. The event is co-hosted by Sophia University and the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo).

In the wake of Nihon Hidankyo’s Nobel Peace Prize recognition, global concern over nuclear weapons has intensified. Yet, with no clear roadmap to abolition and escalating tensions among nuclear-armed states, urgent dialogue is needed. Marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings, this conference will bring together a diverse range of participants to explore paths toward overcoming the nuclear threat and advancing disarmament. Notably, this is the first time the Norwegian Nobel Institute has organized an event outside its home country of Norway.
 

Event details: 

Date: 
Sunday, July 27, 2PM–4:15PM, Press registration opens at 12:45PM

Format: 
In-person and online live streaming (via Sophia University’s official YouTube channel)

In-person Venue:
Room 101, Building 6, Sophia University

Audience:
Sophia University students and the general public

Registration:
Advance registration via the official Sophia University website is required. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Press: see registration details in the following.

Language:
English and Japanese (simultaneous interpretation provided)


Key Speakers and Program
 

Keynote Speeches
  • Jørgen Watne Frydnes, Chair, Norwegian Nobel Committee
  • Terumi Tanaka, Co-Chairperson, Nihon Hidankyo 
  • Michiko Kodama, Assistant Secretary General, Nihon Hidankyo 

Commemorative Performance
  • Sophia University Orchestra

Speeches and Panel Discussion
  • Kristian Berg Harpviken (Moderator), Director, Norwegian Nobel Institute
  • Asle Toje, Vice Chair, Norwegian Nobel Committee
  • Nobumasa Akiyama, Professor, Faculty of Law, Hitotsubashi University
  • Keiko Nakamura, Associate Professor, Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition,  Nagasaki University
  • Taro Komatsu, Professor, Faculty of Human Sciences, Sophia


Information for the press


Press Briefing

Ahead of the conference, a press briefing will be held at 11AM on Sunday, July 27. The venue is 17th Floor, Building 2, Yotsuya Campus, Sophia University. Representatives of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Nihon Hidankyo, and Sophia University will speak.

Press Registration

Pre-registration is required to participate in the press briefing and/or conference. Please register by emailing the Office of Public Relations at Sophia University by Wednesday, July 23. Please note that no registration is required for those who will only watch the live stream on YouTube.
Press registration: [email protected]

All press inquiries regarding the Nobel Peace Prize Conference in Tokyo
Office of Public Relations, Sophia University
Email:[email protected]


Press Inquiries Regarding Other Activities of the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s Visit to Japan

For all press‐related inquiries about the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s visit to Japan beyond this conference—such as itinerary details or requests for one-on-one interviews—please contact the organization below. Please note that Sophia University cannot accommodate inquiries outside the scope of this conference.

Press Inquiries Regarding the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s Visit to Japan
[email protected]  (English correspondence preferred)