Nagasaki Marks 80th Anniversary of Atomic Bombing with Powerful Peace Declaration
On August 9, 2025, Nagasaki marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing by U.S. forces, with a solemn Peace Memorial Ceremony held at Nagasaki Peace Park. Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki read out the 'Nagasaki Peace Declaration,' powerfully appealing to 'connect a divided world from the perspective of global citizens' and transmitting a strong resolve for nuclear weapons abolition to the world. The Context The city of Nagasaki, like Hiroshima, suffered a devastating atomic bombing by the United States during World War II, on August 9, 1945. Every year, on this date, a solemn Peace Memorial Ceremony is held to commemorate the victims, pray for lasting peace, and call for the abolition of nuclear weapons. A central part of this ceremony is the 'Nagasaki Peace Declaration,' delivered by the Mayor of Nagasaki, which serves as a global appeal for peace and disarmament, reflecting the city's unique experience as a victim of nuclear warfare. Mayor Suzuki's Pe...