長崎ながさき原爆げんばく投下とうかから80年はちじゅうねん 「長崎ながさきを最後さいごの被爆ひばく地ちに」発信はっしんの1日ついたちに

Its been 80 years and 9 days since the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.

The average age of atomic bomb survivors has surpassed 86, and as the era of a time without survivors approaches, the international situation surrounding nuclear weapons is becoming increasingly severe.

On the 9th, Nagasaki, the site of the atomic bombing, will spend the day conveying its wish both domestically and internationally: Let Nagasaki be the last place to suffer an atomic bombing.

On the 9th, which marks 80 years since the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, a Peace Memorial Ceremony will be held at 10:40 a.m. in Nagasaki Peace Park.

At the ceremony, a register of atomic bomb victims, which now contains the names of 201,942 people—including 3,167 victims and others who passed away over the past year—will be placed in the “hounbako” dedication box.

At 11:02 a.m., the time when the atomic bomb exploded, we will observe a moment of silence and pay tribute to the victims.

Nagasaki Mayor Shirō Suzuki plans to quote the speech of Senji Yamaguchi, the first atomic bomb survivor to address the United Nations, in the Nagasaki Peace Declaration to be read at the ceremony, calling for an immediate ceasefire in conflicts occurring around the world.

This year’s ceremony is scheduled to be attended by representatives of atomic bomb survivors and bereaved families, as well as ambassadors and others from 95 countries and regions, including nuclear-armed nations such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

Representatives from Israel and Palestine, who continue to be in conflict in the Middle East, as well as Iran, are also scheduled to attend. Transcending their differences, they will mourn the victims of the atomic bomb and pray for the realization of a peaceful world.

This year, for the first time, the number of atomic bomb survivors has fallen below 100,000, and with their average age now over 86, the era without survivors is approaching. Meanwhile, the international situation surrounding nuclear weapons is becoming increasingly severe.

On the 9th, Nagasaki, the site of the atomic bombing, once again sends out its wish both domestically and internationally to make Nagasaki the last atomic-bombed city.

It may seem like we live in a peaceful world right now, but when you look at the world, I think its a difficult time.

There must never be nuclear weapons.

Wars are still ongoing in places like Gaza and Ukraine around the world.

I was once again reminded of how grateful I am to be able to live peacefully in Japan, they said.

Urakami Cathedral, located about 500 meters northeast of the hypocenter, collapsed 80 years ago, leaving only part of its walls standing due to the blast from the atomic bomb and the subsequent fire.

Of the approximately 12,000 Catholics who lived in the surrounding area, it is said that about 8,500 became victims.

At the mass held from 6 a.m. in the cathedral rebuilt in 1959, about 200 people participated.

Among these, Assistant Priest Kenichiro Nakano said, Precisely because there are fewer and fewer people with firsthand experience of war, it is necessary to face history, learn from it, remember it, pass it on to the next generation, and pave the way for peace.

He called on everyone to pray together for the eternal rest of those who perished in the atomic bombing.

The mass lasted about an hour, and as hymns played, the attendees quietly offered prayers in remembrance of those who lost their lives to the atomic bomb.

One of the two bells that once existed at Urakami Cathedral, which was lost in the atomic bombing, was restored this year thanks to donations from American Catholics.

The bell is scheduled to ring at 11:02 a.m., the time when the atomic bomb exploded.

I think it’s important to share the stories we’ve heard from our grandparents with our friends and the people around us.

Wars are still ongoing in places like Gaza and Ukraine around the world.

I was once again reminded of how grateful I am to be able to live peacefully in Japan, they said.

A 76-year-old second-generation atomic bomb survivor living in Nagasaki City, whose mother, older brother, and his sisters family of three were exposed to the bombing, said, Offering prayers today gives meaning to my life.

We must learn from the voices of hibakusha up to now and move forward toward a world without nuclear weapons.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, and the city has sent invitations to all 157 countries and regions with diplomatic missions in Japan, stating, Precisely because divisions are deepening in the international community now, we want representatives from every country to attend the ceremony.

Israel was included among them, as well as Russia and Belarus, who had not been invited since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

According to the city, this year, in addition to the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, the Israeli Ambassador to Japan, the Palestinian representative to Japan, as well as representatives from Russia and Belarus, a total of representatives from 95 countries and regions are scheduled to attend the ceremony as of the 6th of this month.

In addition, although the city had not sent an invitation or notice to Taiwan, it accepted a request from the Taiwanese side, and this year, for the first time, Taiwan will be participating.

On the other hand, China attended last years ceremony, but the city was informed that they would not be attending this year.

Regarding the reason for the absence, the city of Nagasaki told NHK, We refrain from answering about individual reasons, and did not disclose any details.