Commemorating the 79th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing, Nagasaki held a peace ceremony overshadowed by controversy after ambassadors boycotted due to Israel’s exclusion. Mayor Shiro Suzuki urged nuclear disarmament amidst rising global tensions.
A moment of silence marked the tragic bombing on August 9, 1945. Suzuki called for Japan to lead nuclear disarmament efforts and criticized nuclear-armed nations for neglecting the threat posed by such weapons.
Despite the absence of key diplomats, including the U.S. and UK ambassadors, the ceremony emphasized the importance of peace. Atomic bomb survivor Seiichiro Mise reiterated the need for nuclear abolition, emphasizing the universal value of peace.
The decision not to invite Israel, motivated by concerns over possible protests, mirrored Hiroshima’s choice to include Israeli representation. The ceremony highlighted the ongoing relevance of nuclear disarmament in today’s geopolitical landscape.
With the memories of the devastating attacks still fresh, the call for global nuclear disarmament remains a poignant reminder of the horrors of war. The event drew attention to the urgent need for peace and cooperation in a world plagued by conflict and division.
© KYODO