On August 9, 1945, during the final stages of World War II, the city of Nagasaki was struck by an atomic bomb. This day stands as one of the most tragic in both Japanese and global history, a day that must never be forgotten. The atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki was the second nuclear weapon used in warfare, following the bombing of Hiroshima. The bomb’s destructive power led to the immediate deaths of approximately 3,200 people, and the number of those affected by radiation and other injuries has grown to over 100,000.
Nagasaki was devastated in an instant, with countless lives lost not only in the immediate blast but also in the aftermath, as radiation sickness claimed many more. The bombing of Nagasaki, despite the lessons from Hiroshima, underscores the horrors of war and the inhumanity of nuclear weapons. This tragedy serves as a powerful reminder of the catastrophic impact of nuclear weapons and sends a strong message to the world that such an atrocity must never be repeated.
In the years following the bombing, Nagasaki rose from the ruins and rebuilt itself, but the scars remain deeply embedded in the hearts of its residents. Bearing this pain and suffering, Nagasaki has declared itself a "City of Peace," continuously advocating for the importance of global peace. Every year on August 9, a Peace Memorial Ceremony is held in Nagasaki, drawing people from around the world to honor the victims and call for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the establishment of lasting peace.
We must never forget the tragedies of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The suffering and loss caused by the atomic bombs must never be repeated. The lessons of Nagasaki remind us of the need to strive for a world free of nuclear weapons, and to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations. The tragedy of Nagasaki serves as both a reflection and a lesson, renewing our strong commitment to peace.
In 2024, Nagasaki made headlines by deciding not to invite Israel to the Peace Memorial Ceremony, a decision that was seen as a response to Israel's ongoing actions in Palestine, which many view as genocidal. However, the actual reason for the exclusion was the concern that inviting Israel would provoke protests and demonstrations by numerous civic groups. The ceremony itself focused on commemorating the victims of the atomic bomb and advocating for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the achievement of global peace. Among the nations participating in the 2024 ceremony, the nuclear-armed states included the United States, the United Kingdom, China, France, and India. Although Japan does not possess nuclear weapons, it has not yet joined the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Below is a sponsored article from the Nagasaki Shimbun in 2024, emphasizing the horrors of the atomic bomb and the importance of never repeating such a past.
Here are the key events surrounding the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, listed chronologically:
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August 6, 1945: The United States drops the first atomic bomb, "Little Boy," on Hiroshima, causing massive destruction and killing tens of thousands of people instantly.
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August 7, 1945: The Japanese government becomes increasingly aware of the unprecedented destruction in Hiroshima. Despite this, the military still considers continuing the war.
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August 8, 1945: The Soviet Union declares war on Japan and begins its invasion of Manchuria, adding another front to Japan's already strained war efforts.
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August 9, 1945, 11:02 AM: The United States drops the second atomic bomb, "Fat Man," on Nagasaki. The bomb devastates the city, leading to thousands of immediate deaths and injuries, with long-term effects due to radiation exposure.
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August 9, 1945, Afternoon: Japan's Supreme War Council meets to discuss the nation's future. The leadership is divided between continuing the war and accepting the terms of the Potsdam Declaration, which demands Japan's unconditional surrender.
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August 10, 1945: The Japanese government sends a message to the Allies expressing its willingness to accept the Potsdam Declaration, provided that the emperor's position remains secure.
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August 12, 1945: The Allies respond, stating that the emperor's position will be subject to the authority of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, but they do not demand the abolition of the monarchy. Japan continues internal debates on surrender.
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August 14, 1945: Emperor Hirohito decides to accept the Potsdam Declaration, leading to preparations for the "Gyokuon-hōsō" (Jewel Voice Broadcast), in which he will announce Japan’s surrender.
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August 15, 1945: Emperor Hirohito delivers the "Gyokuon-hōsō," announcing Japan’s unconditional surrender to the Japanese public, effectively bringing World War II to an end.
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September 2, 1945: Japan formally signs the Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, officially ending World War II.
