Japan’s Hiroshima on Wednesday commemorated the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing, with aging survivors voicing concern over the growing global acceptance of nuclear weapons as deterrence.
The ceremony, held at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, was attended by around 55,000 people, including delegates from a record 120 countries and regions. A minute of silence was observed at 8:15 a.m., the exact time the atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945, killing 140,000 people by the end of that year.
With survivors now averaging over 86 years old, many fear this could be the final milestone anniversary they witness. “There will be nobody left to pass on this sad and painful experience in 10 or 20 years,” said Minoru Suzuto, 94, after offering prayers at the cenotaph. “That’s why I want to share my story as much as I can.”
Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui used his speech to urge the international community to reject nuclear deterrence policies, warning they endanger hard-won global peace frameworks. “These developments flagrantly disregard the lessons of history,” he said.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated Japan’s commitment to a nuclear-free world, but stopped short of supporting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, citing Japan’s reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella.
Survivors and groups like Nihon Hidankyo, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization, expressed disappointment over the government’s stance and the rise in pro-nuclear rhetoric amid global conflicts. “We are facing a greater nuclear threat than ever,” the group warned, calling for pressure on nuclear-armed states to change course.
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a statement delivered by UN Under-Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu, emphasized the importance of carrying forward survivors' testimonies. “Remembering the past is about protecting peace today and for the future,” he said.
Elsewhere, protests were held near the Atomic Bomb Dome, with demonstrators urging an end to war and nuclear armament. Two arrests were made following minor scuffles with security personnel.
Japan, the only nation to have experienced nuclear attacks, also faces criticism for failing to compensate civilian victims and not recognizing U.S. responsibility for wartime civilian deaths.
The Hiroshima bombing was followed by the Nagasaki attack on August 9, 1945, which killed around 70,000 people. Japan surrendered days later on August 15, ending World War II.
Source: Agency