On August 9, 1945, during the Second World War, an atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. This day became a tragic one that will never be forgotten in the history of Japan, and in the history of the world. The atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki was the second use of atomic bomb after Hiroshima, and its destructive power resulted in 3,200 victims and survivors, with a total of over 100,000 survivors to date.
The city was instantly destroyed and many precious lives were lost. Not only those who died instantly, but many others suffered and lost their lives afterwards due to the effects of radiation.
The atomic bombing of Nagasaki was a tragedy that was repeated without learning from the lessons of Hiroshima. This fact highlights the horror of war and the inhumanity of human beings. At the same time, this incident reminds us of the devastating power of nuclear weapons and sends a strong message to the world that such a tragedy must never be repeated. After the atomic bombing, Nagasaki rose from the devastation and achieved reconstruction. However, the people who live there bear scars that will never fade. With that sadness and suffering in their hearts, Nagasaki continues to appeal to the world about the importance of peace as a "city of peace." Every year on August 9th, a peace memorial ceremony is held in Nagasaki City, where many people from all over the world gather to voice their wishes for the abolition of nuclear weapons and world peace.
We must never forget the tragedies of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The suffering and sacrifice brought about by the atomic bombs must never be repeated. With the lessons of Nagasaki in mind, we must strive for a world free of nuclear weapons and pass on peace to future generations. The tragedy of Nagasaki is an opportunity for us to reflect and learn, and a day to renew our strong commitment to peace.
In 2024, the decision not to invite Israel to the Peace Memorial Ceremony to be held in Nagasaki City became a hot topic. Israel is currently committing genocide in Palestine, and it was thought that this was a reaction to this, but in reality it was due to concerns that inviting Israel would lead to protests and demonstrations by many civic groups. The ceremony will commemorate the victims of the atomic bomb and pray for the abolition of nuclear weapons and permanent peace in the world. Among the countries that participated in the 2024 Peace Memorial Ceremony, five nuclear powers were the United States, the United Kingdom, China, France, and India. Although Japan does not possess nuclear weapons, it is not a party to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Below is a chronology of the major events before and after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.
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August 6, 1945 : The United States military drops the atomic bomb "Little Boy" on Hiroshima, devastating the city and killing tens of thousands instantly.
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August 7, 1945 : Word begins to spread within the Japanese government about the effects of the atomic bomb and the devastation in Hiroshima. The military still seeks to continue the war.
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August 8, 1945 : The Soviet Union declares war on Japan and invades Manchuria, presenting Japan with a new threat.
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11:02 a.m., August 9, 1945 : The U.S. military drops the atomic bomb "Fat Man" on Nagasaki. After the bombing, the city of Nagasaki suffered devastating damage, second only to Hiroshima, with many casualties.
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Afternoon of August 9, 1945 : An emergency meeting is held within the Japanese government, and discussions begin on accepting the Potsdam Declaration. Opinion is divided within the military, but gradually the movement for surrender grows stronger.
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August 10, 1945 : The Japanese government indicates to the Allied Powers its willingness to accept the Potsdam Declaration, but on the condition that the Emperor System be maintained, so negotiations continue.
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August 12, 1945 : The Allies send a response to Japan calling for unconditional acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration, with vague terms for the survival of the Emperor System. Debate continues within the Japanese government.
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August 14, 1945 : The Emperor makes the final decision to accept the Potsdam Declaration, effectively confirming Japan's surrender. Preparations begin for the "Gyokuon-Hoshi" (Gyokurenboso) broadcast to the nation.
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August 15, 1945 : The Emperor's "Gyokuon-hoso" broadcast formally announces Japan's unconditional surrender, ending World War II.
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September 2, 1945 : The Japanese government signs the Instrument of Surrender aboard the U.S.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay, officially ending World War II.
