Nagasaki’s mayor, Shiro Suzuki, announced that all countries with diplomatic ties to Japan would be invited to the city’s 80th atomic bomb memorial this year. This includes Russia, Belarus, and Israel—countries that were excluded from last year’s event.
The goal of this year’s ceremony is to remind the world of the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons. Suzuki hopes that the event will transcend politics and bring nations together to reflect on peace and the human toll of war.
Reflecting on the Horrors of Nuclear War
The primary message of the ceremony remains about mourning and promoting peace. Suzuki emphasized that it is crucial now, more than ever, for nations to gather and witness the destruction caused by nuclear weapons. He urged countries to understand the human cost of such weapons.
The atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, followed three days after the Hiroshima bombing. These attacks killed more than 210,000 people and helped end World War II.
Shift from Political Exclusions
In 2024, Nagasaki excluded Israel due to fears that protests related to the Gaza conflict could disrupt the ceremony. This decision led to backlash and boycotts by several countries, including the U.S. and its G7 allies.
Russia and Belarus were also left out since 2022 because of the ongoing war in Ukraine. This year, Nagasaki’s invitation to all nations signals a return to a neutral stance, focusing on remembrance rather than political divisions.
Japan’s Contradictory Role in Nuclear Defense
Despite being the only country ever attacked by nuclear weapons, Japan continues to rely on U.S. nuclear deterrence for its defense. Suzuki acknowledged this contradiction but emphasized the importance of Nagasaki as a place of learning and unity.
In a time of growing division, Suzuki urged the world to reflect together, beyond borders and ideologies, on what nuclear weapons mean for humanity.
The ceremony aims to offer a platform for nations to unite in the face of the nuclear threat and understand its catastrophic consequences. Suzuki believes that this moment of reflection can bring people from all over the world together in a shared commitment to peace.