Report Japan Marks 80 Years Since Hiroshima Bomb with Silent Prayer

[CharlieH]

 

Japan held a silent prayer on Wednesday morning, marking 80 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by the United States. The ceremony, attended by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and international officials, focused on honouring the victims and reinforcing Japan’s commitment to peace.

 

Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui, speaking at the city's Peace Memorial Park, highlighted Japan's unique position as the only nation to have suffered an atomic bombing during war. He emphasised the country’s dedication to achieving genuine and lasting peace, following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki which resulted in Japan's surrender and the end of World War Two. The bombings claimed over 200,000 lives, with victims perishing from the immediate blasts, radiation sickness, and burns.

 

The impact of the atomic bomb continues to resonate today. Survivor Shingo Naito, who was six years old at the time, recounted the tragedy that befell his family. His father suffered severe burns and was blinded, with skin hanging from his body. Naito’s father and two younger siblings were among the many casualties. Naito now shares his harrowing experiences with students, turning his memories into art.

In 2024, Nihon Hidankyo, a group of Japanese atomic bomb survivors, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their steadfast efforts to advocate for a nuclear-free world. The group’s dedication is part of a broader movement to eradicate nuclear weapons globally.

 

During his speech, Mayor Matsui warned of an alarming trend of military build-up worldwide, highlighting a growing belief in the necessity of nuclear weapons for national defence. He cautioned that these developments disregard the lessons history has taught the international community and threaten to undermine the peacebuilding efforts diligently established over the years.

 

Matsui expressed concerns over the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, highlighting its precarious state and urging the Japanese government to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Despite over 70 countries having ratified this treaty, nuclear powers such as the US and Russia oppose it, citing the strategic deterrence offered by their arsenals. Japan, reliant on US nuclear protection, has similarly refrained from embracing the ban, reflecting internal divisions on the issue.

 

Protests for nuclear abolition accompanied the ceremony, with demonstrators lining the streets leading to the Peace Memorial Park. The nuclear debate remains contentious within Japan, reflecting the country's complex relationship with nuclear security.

Saitoshi Tanaka, another atomic bomb survivor, shared how witnessing current global conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine evokes memories of his own suffering. Tanaka, who has endured multiple cancers from radiation exposure, is reminded of the devastation and chaos experienced in his youth. “Seeing the rubble, destroyed cities, and fleeing families brings it all back,” he shared.

 

Tanaka emphasised the urgency of pushing leaders of nuclear-armed countries to reconsider their stance. "The potential for catastrophic destruction remains," he warned, urging global citizens to express their outrage and demand action. "Massive activism is necessary to drive change," he insisted.

The ceremony in Hiroshima not only commemorates a historical tragedy but also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing responsibility to prevent future catastrophes. The voices of survivors continue to inspire a worldwide call for disarmament and peace.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-06

 

[unblocktheplanet]

NZ has the right idea. No nuclear subs are allowed to dock. Nuclear abolition treaty. It only takes one country to start. Why not be first and stop living in fear...of worldwide nuclear annihiliation?

 

South Africa dismantled their five nukes (with no help from Elon!). Why can't we?

[GammaGlobulin]

Hard to believe that it's been 80 without a third use of a nuke.

 

I have been reading a book about Hiroshima, mostly accounts of survivors of the blast.

 

But, I don't like this format.

 

I want something much more detailed than just personal accounts.

 

Maybe it's time for a new Hiroshima book?

 

 

Also, it seems that this book was first published in The New Yorker, which is an excellent magazine.

But, I think this account, while good for some, is not thorough enough for me about the science.

 

Anyone know if there is a better book, either recent or published in the last 70 years?

That would be nice, to be able to read about Hiroshima, once again, and on the 80th anniversary....

KaBooooom!!!

 

[LennyW]

A very sobering park the Peace Memorial Park. I had the opportunity to walk around a large part of Hiroshima city a few years ago while working near there. All around the city are memorial plaques with large black & white photos of what that particular part looked like after the bomb dropped, horrific!! The Memorial park has an eternal flame burning and the place is so quiet, makes you think.