Local sources from Japan: nhk.or.jp, 読売新聞オンライン.
UK coverage: The Guardian.
In a solemn ceremony that marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing in Nagasaki, the city reflected on the tragedy through various testimonials and pledges for a peaceful future, free from nuclear weapons. The event, held in Peace Park, Nagasaki, saw the participation of approximately 4,200 attendees, including survivors, bereaved families, and representatives from 94 countries and regions, highlighting the global significance of the commemoration. Among the attendees were countries that have recently seen tensions in international relations, with notable participation from Russia, Belarus, and Israel after years of absence, and a first-time attendance by Taiwan, while China and Ukraine were notably absent. The ceremony was enriched by the symbolic ringing of the ‘Twin Bells’ of Urakami Cathedral, which had been silent since the bombing, signifying a call for unity and peace in a world still marred by conflict. This event was made possible through international cooperation, including significant contributions from US churchgoers who helped fund the restoration of one of the original bells destroyed in the bombing. The gesture underscored a shared dedication to overcoming past adversities and working towards mutual understanding and peace. Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki, himself a second-generation atomic bomb survivor, delivered a powerful peace declaration, vowing to continue efforts towards nuclear disarmament and stressing the city’s mission to keep the memory of the bombing alive. This commitment was echoed by testimonials from survivors and their descendants, ranging from a 79-year-old born to a mother who survived the bombing while pregnant, to a 19-year-old university student, all advocating for a future without nuclear weapons. The Prime Minister of Japan, Ishiba Shigeru, also emphasized Japan’s unique responsibility to lead international efforts for a world without nuclear war and weapons. With the number of survivors holding Health Management Books in Hiroshima and Nagasaki falling below 100,000 for the first time, the urgency of passing on their stories is palpable. To this end, Nagasaki is actively training individuals to share ‘family and exchange testimonies,’ with about 60 people currently engaged in this vital effort. The addition of 3,167 victims to the atomic bomb victims’ roster, bringing the total to over 200,000 since 1968, served as a stark reminder of the lasting impacts of nuclear warfare. The ceremony, with its mix of solemn remembrance and hopeful forward-looking, underscored the collective aspiration for a future where peace prevails over the specter of nuclear conflict.
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