Nagasaki, Japan, marked the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic attack on August 9, 1945, which killed tens of thousands and left deep scars on the community and its survivors.
Survivors and representatives from over 90 countries gathered for a memorial event at Nagasaki Peace Park. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Shiro Suzuki and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, among others.
At 11:02 a.m., the moment the plutonium bomb detonated over the city, attendees observed a poignant moment of silence, complemented by the tolling of a bell.
Hiroshi Nishioka, a 93-year-old survivor, poignantly stated, “Even after the war ended, the atomic bomb brought invisible terror.”
His reflections on the suffering inflicted on those who survived without visible injuries were haunting, highlighting long-term health consequences.
“Never use nuclear weapons again, or we’re finished,” he implored the audience.
The ceremony included the release of dozens of doves, a powerful symbol of peace. Mayor Suzuki emphasized the importance of passing the city’s memories of the bombing to future generations.
“The existential crisis of humanity has become imminent to each and every one of us living on Earth,” Suzuki remarked, voicing the city’s commitment to making Nagasaki the last site of atomic bombing.
Survivors and their families gathered at Peace Park and Hypocenter Park earlier in the day, despite the rainy weather.
Koichi Kawano, an 85-year-old survivor, expressed a longing for “a world without war” as he laid flowers at a monument honoring the hypocenter of the attack.
Others chose to pray at churches, reflecting Nagasaki’s rich history as a center for Catholic converts who faced severe persecution during Japan’s feudal era.
The bells of Urakami Cathedral, which was destroyed during the bombing, rang once more after a missing bell was restored by volunteers.
Despite ongoing physical pain, discrimination, and illnesses from radiation exposure, survivors remain unwavering in their efforts to advocate for the abolition of nuclear weapons, while expressing concerns about an increasingly perilous global landscape.
Aging survivors are keen to pass down their lessons and stories to younger generations, emphasizing that the experiences of the attack remain relevant today.
Fumi Takeshita, an 83-year-old survivor, articulated her dual desires for nuclear disarmament and the cessation of war.
She passionately encouraged students, saying, “When you grow up and remember what you learned today, please think what each of you can do to prevent war.”
Teruko Yokoyama, another 83-year-old survivor associated with organizations that aid victims, highlighted her trepidation about the diminishing number of survivors.
With the count now at 99,130, dropping significantly from the original number, she noted the average age of survivors exceeds 86.
“There are younger people who are beginning to take action,” Yokoyama stated, reassuringly.
Organizations have begun digitizing survivor narratives for platforms like YouTube, making their stories accessible for future generations.
The recent “peace forum” organized in Nagasaki allowed survivors to share their tales with over 300 young people from various parts of the country.
Seiichiro Mise, a 90-year-old survivor, expressed hope as he passes along the seeds of “flowers of peace” to be nurtured by the younger generation.
However, survivors face frustration regarding the rising nuclear threats in the context of global security. Many criticize the Japanese government’s stance against signing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons due to its alliance with the U.S.
Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated Japan’s pursuit of a nuclear-free world, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation at the upcoming Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons review conference in 2026.
While the prime minister acknowledged the importance of disarmament, he did not mention the nuclear weapons ban treaty.
“Countries must move from words to action by strengthening the global disarmament regime,” stated U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres in a message read at the ceremony.
Nagasaki’s commitment to nuclear awareness was evidenced by its invitation to representatives from every country to participate in the commemorative events.
Notably, China informed the city of its decision to abstain from attendance, but did not convey any specific reasons for its absence.
Last year’s ceremony also drew attention for the absence of several Western officials, including the U.S. ambassador, related to the lack of invitation extended to Israeli officials.
Mari Yamaguchi contributed to this report from Tokyo.
image source from：pbs
