Nagasaki commemorated the 78th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing on Wednesday, with Mayor Shiro Suzuki urging world powers to abolish nuclear weapons. Suzuki expressed concerns about the increasing risk of nuclear war due to nuclear deterrence. He highlighted that Russia’s nuclear threat has encouraged other countries to enhance their nuclear capabilities, posing a significant risk. The United States dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, followed by a second attack on Nagasaki three days later, resulting in the death of 70,000 people. Japan surrendered on August 15, marking the end of World War II.
During the ceremony, held at the moment the bomb exploded, participants observed a moment of silence. Suzuki expressed concern about the tragedy being forgotten over time. He emphasized the importance of preserving the survivors’ testimonies and raising awareness about the reality of atomic bombings to achieve a world without nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in a video message, acknowledged the challenges in achieving a nuclear-free world due to rising tensions and conflicts, including Russia’s war on Ukraine. Kishida has faced criticism from survivors for justifying nuclear arms possession and refusing to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Suzuki demanded that the Japanese government and lawmakers sign and ratify the treaty and attend an upcoming meeting to demonstrate Japan’s commitment to nuclear disarmament. However, Japan, as a U.S. ally, seeks stronger protection under the American nuclear umbrella, given threats from China and North Korea. Meanwhile, the government is pushing for a military buildup focused on strike capability. As of March, there are 113,649 certified survivors, known as hibakusha, who are eligible for government medical support. However, many others, including victims outside the initially designated areas, still lack support.