Nagasaki Marks 80th Anniversary of Atomic Bombing with Renewed Calls for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament

Nagasaki, Japan – Today, the city of Nagasaki observed the 80th anniversary of the devastating U.S. atomic attack, a solemn occasion marked by global representatives renewing urgent calls for nuclear disarmament and lasting world peace.

Thousands, including delegates from over 90 countries, gathered at Nagasaki Peace Park. At 11:02 a.m. local time, the exact moment the plutonium bomb detonated on August 9, 1945, participants observed a moment of silence, a poignant tribute to the estimated 70,000 lives lost by the end of that year.

Mayor Shiro Suzuki delivered a powerful address, emphasizing the city’s harrowing memories as a ‘common heritage’ crucial for future generations. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated Japan’s commitment to a nuclear-free world, though notably avoided mentioning the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

A significant presence at this year’s ceremony was Israeli Ambassador to Japan Gilad Cohen, marking his attendance a year after he was notably excluded from the event due to tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict. Cohen laid a wreath, expressing Israel’s ‘heartfelt solidarity’ with Nagasaki and a shared pursuit of peace. This year, nearly 100 countries, including Russia (absent since 2022), were invited, while China notably declined to attend without providing a reason.

Aging survivors, known as ‘hibakusha,’ whose numbers have dwindled to less than 100,000 with an average age exceeding 86, voiced their enduring hope for a world without war. They continue to share their experiences, passing the torch of peace advocacy to younger generations through initiatives like digitalizing their narratives for wider reach.

The commemorations underscored a collective plea to prevent any future atomic bombings, echoing the survivors’ plea for a world where nuclear weapons are never used and humanity can live in peace.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.