Nagasaki raises alarm about the threat of nuclear war as it marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing

On Saturday, the cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima commemorated the 80th anniversary of the devastating atomic bombings that took place during World War II. Over 3,000 people, including representatives from 94 countries and regions, gathered at Nagasaki Peace Park to honour the victims and reflect on the lessons learned from this tragic event.

The bomb dropped on Nagasaki, named "Fat Man," was a plutonium bomb. By the end of 1945, it's estimated that the death toll from this bombing was around 74,000 people. Just a few days earlier, the uranium bomb detonated over Hiroshima claimed an estimated 140,000 lives.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in a poignant speech, vowed to uphold Japan's commitment of not possessing, producing, or permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons. However, his government's stance on Japan's refusal to sign or participate in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons remains unclear.

Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki, in his address, warned that humanity faces an "existential crisis" due to a "vicious cycle of confrontation and fragmentation." He emphasized the need for global cooperation to avoid repeating the horrors of the past.

In a significant moment, the twin bells from Urakami Cathedral, which have remained silent since the bombing in 1945, rang together for the first time. This poignant sound served as a reminder of the city's resilience and the importance of peace.

Currently, there are 99,130 survivors of the two atomic bombs still alive in Japan, with their average age exceeding 86. Teruko Yokoyama, an 83-year-old member of a Nagasaki organization supporting survivors, emphasized the importance of "keeping records of the atomic bombing damages of the survivors and their lifetime story."

The Russian and Israeli ambassadors were expected to attend the commemoration event, marking a more inclusive approach from Nagasaki this year. Previously, Russia, Israel, along with Belarus, were not invited to the 2024 ceremony.

Hiroshima marked 80 years since the US dropped an atomic bomb on it earlier in the week. The explosion flattened more than two-thirds of the city of Hiroshima. Japan surrendered a few days later on August 15, 1945, ending World War II.

As we remember the victims of these tragic events, we are left to ponder whether the world has truly learned the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Ishiba's government has pledged to work towards leading global efforts to achieve a world without nuclear war and a world without nuclear weapons. May this commitment serve as a beacon of hope for a peaceful future for all.