On the solemn occasion of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Mayor Shiro Suzuki issued a poignant appeal for global peace and an immediate end to escalating conflicts. Speaking at a ceremony commemorating the devastating event, he expressed deep concern about the current "vicious cycle of confrontation and fragmentation" in the world today. "If we continue on this trajectory, we will end up thrusting ourselves into a nuclear war," he warned.
The bombing on August 9, 1945, resulted in the deaths of approximately 74,000 people and is believed to have played a significant role in ending World War II. Survivors, often suffering from toxic radiation effects like leukaemia, remember the horrors of that day. This past weekend's ceremony also coincided with the recent commemoration of the Hiroshima bombing on August 6, which killed about 140,000 people.
Reflecting on the day’s significance, Suzuki urged immediate cessation of armed conflicts, urging that disputes fueled by aggression only lead to more tragedy. He made a symbolic gesture during the ceremony by inviting attendees, including representatives of the survivor community, to offer water—a tribute to victims who, immediately following the blast, begged for it amidst their suffering.
Notably, Hiroshi Nishioka, a 93-year-old survivor who experienced the bombing firsthand, recounted the grim aftereffects he witnessed, calling it an invisible terror that haunted even those who appeared undamaged. Participants at the ceremony included individuals from diverse generations acknowledging the past's realities—an indication that the painful memories must not be forgotten nor repeated.
While recent conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions in the Gaza region, were highlighted as pressing issues, the mayor also announced invitations extended to representatives from Israel, Russia, and Belarus—countries historically absent from this gathering, demonstrating a shift towards fostering dialogue.
With the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons now in effect, Nagasaki stands as a powerful reminder of the potential consequences of nuclear warfare, as city leaders emphasize the need for international unity to prevent future horrors.
