Thousands gathered in Nagasaki on Saturday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the city’s atomic bombing, a somber occasion underscored by Mayor Shiro Suzuki’s warning about the potential for renewed nuclear conflict amidst current global tensions.
On August 9, 1945, Nagasaki was devastated by the U.S. dropping the plutonium bomb, “Fat Man,” resulting in immediate fatalities estimated at 27,000 among a population of roughly 200,000. The wider consequences of radiation exposure led to the death toll reaching about 70,000 by the end of that year. This bombing followed three days after the nuclear attack on Hiroshima, contributing to Japan’s surrender and the conclusion of World War II.
During the remembrance event, a moment of silence was held at 11:02 a.m., the exact time of the bombing, followed by Mayor Suzuki’s call for collective action towards nuclear disarmament. He emphasized that leaders must adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter and actively work towards eliminating nuclear weapons, as “delay is no longer permissible.”
Suzuki recounted harrowing accounts from survivors, known as “hibakusha,” to emphasize the real and lasting impact of nuclear warfare. Quotes from the survivors illustrated the horrific aftermath—“Around me were people whose eyeballs had popped out… Bodies were strewn about like stones.”
The ceremony attracted representatives from 95 nations, including nuclear superpowers such as the United States and Israel, along with other global stakeholders, highlighting the international recognition of the tragic historical significance of Nagasaki.
Among the younger attendees, 14-year-old Daiji Kawanaka reflected on the importance of preventing future tragedies, expressing hope that youth can lead the initiative toward peace and dialogue. Additionally, the Japanese organization of atomic bomb survivors, Nihon Hidankyo, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year for their advocacy work toward a nuclear-free world.
While the number of survivors continues to dwindle, their experiences fuel ongoing efforts for remembrance and advocacy against nuclear weapons. Despite Japan’s commitment to disarmament, it remains outside the U.N. treaty banning nuclear weapons, which symbolizes the complexities still faced in achieving total nuclear abolition.
This gathering not only served as a poignant reminder of the past but also reignited discussions around global peace and security, promoting hope that collective efforts might lead to a better future free from the threat of nuclear devastation. The resilience seen in Nagasaki resonates across the Pacific, connecting historical experiences with current calls for justice and disarmament.
The interconnected events of remembrance emphasize a lasting commitment to advocacy, aiming for a world where nuclear tragedies are not repeated, nurturing a shared responsibility among nations to foster peace and mutual understanding.
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