On Wednesday morning, Hiroshima held a solemn ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bomb dropped by the United States, which devastated the city during World War II. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba joined dignitaries from around the globe in a moment of silence, emphasizing Japan’s unique history as the only nation to have experienced such a bombing in wartime. Hiroshima's mayor, Kazumi Matsui, emphasized the Japanese people's enduring desire for peace at the city's iconic Peace Memorial Park.
The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in over 200,000 fatalities, with many victims succumbing later to radiation illnesses. The impact is still felt by survivors today, such as Shingo Naito, who lost family members, including his father, in the attack. Currently, he shares his painful memories with students, who are translating his story into artistic expressions.
Looking ahead, the Nihon Hidankyo organization, representing atomic bomb survivors, recently earned the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of their advocacy against nuclear weapons. During Wednesday's gathering, Mayor Matsui raised concerns about an increasing global military arms race and the widespread belief that nuclear weapons are crucial for national security. He expressed that the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is nearing a state of dysfunction and urged Japan to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons established in 2021.
Despite over 70 countries endorsing the ban, major nuclear powers like the US and Russia resist, citing deterrence strategies. This debate has become a contentious issue in Japan itself, where reactions vary widely. Protests advocating for nuclear disarmament were observed near the Peace Memorial Park.
Survivor Saitoshi Tanaka shared that witnessing current conflicts in regions like Gaza and Ukraine has evoked his own traumatic experiences. He highlighted the urgency for global action against nuclear threats, urging world leaders to heed the lessons of the past and the dire need for a safer future.
