As the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki approaches, the city is extending invitations to representatives from every nation to attend the commemoration. Mayor Shiro Suzuki confirmed that all 157 countries and diplomatic regions with ties to Japan, including Russia, Belarus, and Israel, will be invited to participate. This gesture aims to recenter the event’s focus on promoting peace and shared humanity, transcending political divides.
A Call for Global Reflection on the Tragic Past
Mayor Suzuki emphasized that the anniversary should serve as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear warfare and as a call for international peace. “The true purpose of this ceremony is to mourn the victims and to promote enduring global peace,” Suzuki said. He highlighted that in an increasingly unstable world, it is critical for leaders from all corners of the globe to witness firsthand the human toll of nuclear weapons.
On August 9, 1945, the United States dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, just three days after bombing Hiroshima. The two attacks together claimed over 210,000 lives and played a pivotal role in bringing an end to World War II. The commemorative event will honor those lost, but also offer a platform for nations to unite in advocating for peace and a nuclear-free future.
Shifting Stance After Controversial Exclusions
Last year, the city of Nagasaki faced backlash after not inviting Israel to the ceremony, citing concerns over potential disruptions due to the Gaza conflict. This decision led to protests from the United States, European Union, and several G7 nations, resulting in boycotts from their ambassadors. Similarly, Russia and Belarus had been excluded from the 2022 memorial in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the invitation of these nations this year signals a shift in policy, with Nagasaki moving toward a more inclusive and non-political approach focused on healing and reconciliation.
Bridging Divides for Lasting Peace
Japan remains the only nation to have experienced nuclear attacks, yet it is also protected under the U.S. nuclear umbrella and supports nuclear deterrence as part of its defense strategy. This paradox is not lost on Mayor Suzuki, who acknowledged the complexities of Japan’s defense policies. Despite these contradictions, he stressed the importance of global leaders engaging with the reality of nuclear weapons and their far-reaching consequences.
“Now more than ever, with international divisions deepening, it is vital that representatives from every nation gather in Nagasaki — not just to observe, but to truly feel and understand what nuclear weapons mean for humanity,” Suzuki emphasized. He called for a collective effort to bridge geopolitical divides and work toward a world free from the threat of nuclear conflict.
As the 80th anniversary nears, Nagasaki’s message is clear: while the wounds of the past remain, the city is determined to foster a collective commitment to peace. The invitation to all nations underscores the belief that only through unity and a shared understanding of history can the world hope to build a future without the shadow of nuclear war.
The city hopes that the event will inspire leaders to take a more active role in global disarmament efforts, and to remember the human cost of warfare. The anniversary serves not only as a remembrance of the past but as a reminder that peace is a continuous and collective endeavor.
A Renewed Call for Global Unity and Cooperation
With tensions rising in many parts of the world, Nagasaki’s invitation serves as a powerful reminder of the need for international cooperation. The city has long been a symbol of resilience and hope, and this year’s anniversary will be a moment for the world to reflect on the lessons of the past and look toward a future built on mutual respect and peace.
As Nagasaki prepares for this historic event, all eyes will be on the city to see if this invitation to global leaders marks the beginning of a new chapter in the world’s collective efforts to prevent nuclear conflict.
