Nagasaki Marks 80th Anniversary of Atomic Bombing with Call for World Peace
On the 80th anniversary of the devastating atomic bomb attack on Nagasaki, the city’s mayor, Shiro Suzuki, delivered a poignant Peace Declaration urging an end to ongoing global conflicts. Speaking at a solemn ceremony on August 9, 2023, Suzuki expressed concern over the escalating cycle of warfare and fragmentation worldwide. "If we continue on this trajectory, we risk plunging ourselves into a nuclear war," he warned.
The tragic bombing on August 9, 1945, which played a significant role in hastening the conclusion of World War II, claimed the lives of an estimated 74,000 people. In the aftermath, countless survivors battled severe health issues, including leukemia and other radiation-induced ailments.
This year’s ceremony follows the recent commemoration of the first atomic bombing in Hiroshima on August 6, which resulted in approximately 140,000 fatalities. The bomb dropped on Nagasaki was even more powerful, obliterating entire communities in an instant.
The remembrance in Nagasaki commenced with a moment of silence, during which the twin cathedral bells rang in unison for the first time since the attack, symbolizing a message of peace to the world. Attendees, representing various generations, participated in a heartfelt water offering—an act of respect for the victims who, in their final moments, begged for water as they suffered from burns.
In his declaration, Suzuki reflected, "On August 9, 1945, an atomic bomb devastated this city. Today, 80 years later, who could have imagined our world would evolve into this? We must immediately cease hostilities where ‘force meets force.’"
Hiroshi Nishioka, a 93-year-old survivor who was only 3 kilometers from the explosion, recounted the horror he experienced. "Even those who survived began to bleed from their gums and lose their hair, ultimately succumbing to their injuries," he shared. "Though the war ended, the atomic bomb brought an unseen terror."
Local resident Atsuko Higuchi, 50, expressed her gratitude that the victims were being honored. "It brings me happiness that these events are remembered. We must recognize that these are not just past occurrences; they are real events that affected many lives," she stated.
As global tensions rise, with ongoing conflicts such as the war between Russia and Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict, the mayor noted the importance of inclusivity in this year’s commemoration. Unlike last year, when Israel was not invited due to security concerns, Suzuki welcomed representatives from Israel, Russia, and Belarus, highlighting the need for dialogue and peace.
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which came into effect in 2021 and has been ratified by over 70 countries, seeks to eliminate nuclear arms. However, nuclear-armed nations have opposed the treaty, asserting that their arsenals serve as vital deterrents. Japan, too, has refrained from endorsing the ban, citing its security reliance on U.S. nuclear capabilities.
As Nagasaki reflects on its painful past, the city’s call for peace resonates more than ever in a world still grappling with the specter of war.
