On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings, the mayor of Nagasaki, Shiro Suzuki, has issued a warning about the growing threat of nuclear conflict in today’s world. The memorial event held at Nagasaki Peace Park saw the attendance of approximately 2,600 people, including representatives from 90 nations. At precisely 11:02 a.m., the time of the bomb’s detonation, attendees observed a moment of silence to honor the victims. In his poignant address, Suzuki, reflecting on his parents’ survival of the 1945 attack, urged for immediate global action against nuclear weapons and underscored the escalating crises due to ongoing global hostilities.
The event also coincides with the 11th General Conference of Mayors for Peace, a coalition of city leaders advocating for the elimination of nuclear weapons. Suzuki emphasized that the city of Nagasaki must be the last victim of an atomic bombing. He stressed the importance of taking decisive steps toward abolishing these weapons, warning against further procrastination. The upcoming 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) was highlighted as a pivotal moment for humanity’s future, as world leaders gather to reassess commitments made since the treaty’s inception in 1968.
The historical context of the atomic bombings reveals their catastrophic impact, leading to Japan’s surrender in 1945 and subsequently ending World War II. The bomb known as “Little Boy,” dropped on Hiroshima, was followed three days later by “Fat Man” over Nagasaki. These bombs resulted in tremendous devastation, each possessing an explosive power equivalent to tens of thousands of tons of TNT, decimating cities and causing unimaginable loss of life.
In his speech, Suzuki expressed heartfelt condolences to all victims of the bombings and emphasized the importance of memorialization. He affirmed Nagasaki’s commitment to sharing the stories of those impacted by the atomic bombings, recognizing them as a collective human heritage deserving to be passed down through generations. The mayor’s declarations were translated by The Mainichi, resonating with the global audience on the need for peace and the abolition of nuclear arms.
Suzuki’s call to action serves not only as a reminder of past horrors but also as an urgent plea for collective responsibility among world leaders and citizens alike. He concluded with a vow to collaborate with global citizens to ensure Nagasaki remains the last site of atomic bombing, reiterating the city’s dedication to promoting a world free of nuclear weapons. In doing so, he advocates for the establishment of lasting world peace, highlighting the interconnectedness and shared fate of humanity.
As the world reflects on the tragic history of nuclear warfare, the memorial events in Nagasaki stand as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance against the recurrence of such atrocities. The message articulated by Suzuki and the presence of international representatives signal a collective commitment to prevent history from repeating itself, reinforcing the urgency of disarmament and the pursuit of peace.
