On August 9, 2025, the city of Nagasaki solemnly commemorated the tragic 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, as Mayor Shiro Suzuki delivered a powerful Peace Declaration addressing the pressing need for global peace.
Nagasaki Mayor Urges Peace on 80th Anniversary of Atomic Bombing
Nagasaki Mayor Urges Peace on 80th Anniversary of Atomic Bombing
Nagasaki's mayor calls for an end to global conflicts, warning of a potential nuclear war as the city marks the 80th anniversary of the devastating atomic attack.
The mayor stressed that escalating conflicts worldwide could lead humanity down a perilous path toward nuclear war. Reflecting on the catastrophic impact of the bombing on August 9, 1945—the attack which resulted in approximately 74,000 deaths and left many survivors suffering from severe health complications—Suzuki urged an immediate cessation of violent disputes. This poignant ceremony was held days after the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, and it was marked by moments of silence and the ringing of bells from Nagasaki's twin cathedrals, symbolizing peace.
During the ceremony, water was ceremonially offered, echoing the desperate pleas of bomb victims 80 years earlier who suffered severe burns and dehydration. Survivors shared harrowing accounts of the aftermath—the irreversible damage suffered by their bodies and the lasting psychological toll of the atomic bomb.
In his declaration, Suzuki lamented the state of the world today, expressing disbelief at the ongoing intensity of global conflicts that include the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, referencing the long-standing ramifications of the nuclear age. While the event invited representatives from various countries, it was a poignant reminder of the historical significance of Nagasaki and the ongoing relevance of its lessons in today's geopolitical climate. The international community's responsibility towards nuclear disarmament and peace was underscored, emphasizing that these historical tragedies should never be forgotten or repeated.
During the ceremony, water was ceremonially offered, echoing the desperate pleas of bomb victims 80 years earlier who suffered severe burns and dehydration. Survivors shared harrowing accounts of the aftermath—the irreversible damage suffered by their bodies and the lasting psychological toll of the atomic bomb.
In his declaration, Suzuki lamented the state of the world today, expressing disbelief at the ongoing intensity of global conflicts that include the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, referencing the long-standing ramifications of the nuclear age. While the event invited representatives from various countries, it was a poignant reminder of the historical significance of Nagasaki and the ongoing relevance of its lessons in today's geopolitical climate. The international community's responsibility towards nuclear disarmament and peace was underscored, emphasizing that these historical tragedies should never be forgotten or repeated.
