Nagasaki commemorates the 80th anniversary of atomic bomb victims with a moment of solemn reflection
Nagasaki Bombing: A Sobering Reminder of the Past and a Call for a Nuclear-Free Future
On August 9, 1945, the city of Nagasaki was devastated by a plutonium bomb named "Fat Man", marking a tragic moment in history that continues to echo today [1][2][3][4]. The bombing, part of the United States' strategy to force Japan's surrender, resulted in massive casualties and destruction [1][2][3][4].
Seventy-four thousand people lost their lives in Nagasaki that day, the majority of whom were civilians [2]. The bombing's long-term effects, including radiation-related illnesses, have left a lasting impact, with the number of survivors now dwindling to just 99,130, a quarter of the original number, and their average age exceeding 86 [1].
The bombing of Nagasaki was not the primary target; the city of Kokura was the initial choice, but bad weather obscured it, leading to Nagasaki being targeted instead [4]. The decision to use atomic weapons was shaped by several factors, including Japan's refusal to surrender unconditionally, the risk of a costly invasion, and the burgeoning U.S.-Soviet rivalry [4].
The aftermath of the Nagasaki bombing has become a powerful symbol in the global anti-nuclear movement. The stories of survivors and the immense human suffering caused by the bombings have fueled efforts internationally to prevent nuclear proliferation and promote disarmament [5]. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged to promote dialogue and cooperation between countries with nuclear weapons and non-nuclear states at the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons review conference scheduled for April and May 2026 in New York [6].
In Nagasaki, survivors are working tirelessly to ensure their stories are not forgotten. Teruko Yokoyama, an 83-year-old member of a Nagasaki organisation supporting survivors, is particularly concerned about the growing absence of her colleagues and is working to document the lives of other survivors [7]. Fumi Takeshita, another 83-year-old survivor, visits schools to share her experience with children, advocating for a world without nuclear weapons and war [8].
The 80th anniversary of the Nagasaki bombing was marked by a solemn ceremony in the city. International participation was noteworthy, with the presence of Russia and Israel, among others. Shiro Suzuki, the mayor of Nagasaki, urged for an immediate stop to armed conflicts during the ceremony attended by representatives from over 100 nations [9]. Seiichiro Mise, a 90-year-old survivor, handed seeds of "flowers of peace" to the younger generation [10].
However, the growing nuclear threat and support among international leaders for developing or possessing nuclear weapons for deterrence have left survivors increasingly frustrated [11]. The Japanese government's refusal to sign or even participate in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as an observer has been criticized by survivors [12].
Despite these challenges, the spirit of peace in Nagasaki remains strong. The city hosted a "peace forum" where survivors shared their stories with more than 300 young people from around the country [13]. Nagasaki's symbol of peace, a restored bell from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, destroyed by the atomic bomb, continues to stand as a reminder of the city's resilience [4].
The ceremony in Nagasaki invited representatives from all countries to attend, but the government in China has notably notified the city that it will not be present without providing a reason [14]. The total number of deaths in Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined is approximately 214,000 [15].
As we remember the tragic events of August 9, 1945, it is crucial to reflect on the past and learn from it. The legacy of the Nagasaki bombing serves as a sobering reminder of the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons, underscoring the need for their elimination worldwide to ensure they are never used again.
- The stories of the survivors of the Nagasaki bombing, as well as their struggles for lifelong learning and education on peace, highlight the importance of general news reporting on politics, war, and conflicts.
- In the pursuit of a nuclear-free future, it is essential to include learning about the disaster in Nagasaki as part of education and self-development, to ensure a lifelong commitment to peace and disarmament.
- The anti-nuclear movement, spurred by events like the Nagasaki bombing, demonstrates the interconnectedness of global news, politics, and conflict resolution, emphasizing the need for lifelong learning and commitment to a peaceful future.
