A council promoting relief measures for survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki has asked the Japanese government for support and subsidies ahead of the 80th anniversary of the bombings next year.
The body is organized by eight local leaders of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, including prefectural governors and mayors.
Council officials visited the health and welfare ministry in Tokyo on Wednesday to submit the body's requests to ensure appropriate support for survivors and raise awareness among younger generations.
The council requested subsidies for commemorative projects planned for next fiscal year, including annual ceremonies to mark the days of the bombings.
It also called for simplified procedures to apply for medical care for survivors who moved overseas after the bombings, so that they can receive the same support as those living in Japan.
Other requests included assistance for projects to preserve buildings and trees that survived the atomic bombings.
The council called for a prompt decision by a government panel considering a possible broadening of the scope of areas exposed to radioactive "black rain."
It urged the government to review its guidelines and recognize those who were outside the government-designated area in Nagasaki as atomic bomb survivors.
Ministry officials reportedly said during closed-door talks they will work to ensure that the 80th anniversary projects will be implemented smoothly and will also promote appropriate support measures for survivors.
An official from Nagasaki Prefecture said the council will deal properly with environmental changes surrounding atomic bomb survivors, and call for systems appropriate to their needs and seek to secure the necessary budget.