NHK has learned that the Norwegian Nobel Committee plans to hold a nuclear disarmament-themed event in Japan in July.



The committee last year awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, a group representing survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.



The committee's officials told NHK that the event they plan to hold in Tokyo in late July to mark Nihon Hidankyo's winning of the prize will focus on the reduction of nuclear weapons, as well as arms control.



The officials said they are also considering a visit by Norwegian Nobel Committee Chair Joergen Frydnes to Hiroshima and Nagasaki.



Frydnes said in a speech at an award ceremony in December last year that no matter how long and difficult it may be to a world free of nuclear weapons, "we should learn from Nihon Hidankyo." He added, "we must never give up."



According to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, there are no records of a sitting chair visiting Japan, which means that Frydnes will likely become the first ever to do so.



The committee is apparently seeking to build up momentum toward nuclear disarmament, as this year marks 80 years since the atomic bombings of the Japanese cities.