Nagasaki has announced it will invite all nations and diplomatic regions to attend the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing this August. This includes countries previously excluded, such as Russia, Belarus, and Israel. The move aims to return focus to peace and remembrance, rather than political tensions.
Mayor Shiro Suzuki shared the news on Wednesday, saying invitations will go to all 157 countries and regions with diplomatic ties to Japan. “We want the world to remember the horrors of nuclear war,” he said. “Now more than ever, we must choose peace.”
This announcement marks a change from past years, when some countries were left out due to ongoing global conflicts.
A Global Invitation for Reflection
The 80th memorial will take place on August 9, the same day in 1945 that the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki. Over 70,000 people died in that attack, which followed the bombing of Hiroshima three days earlier. These two events led to Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II.
Together, the bombings killed more than 210,000 people. Survivors, known as hibakusha, have spent decades calling for a world free of nuclear weapons.
Mayor Suzuki said, “We want all countries to understand the damage nuclear weapons can cause. That’s why everyone should come and see what happened here.”
Reversing Last Year’s Exclusions
Last year, Nagasaki chose not to invite Israel, due to worries about unrest related to the conflict in Gaza. That choice drew criticism from several Western countries. The U.S., the European Union, and other G7 members did not attend the ceremony in protest.
Russia and Belarus were also left out in 2022 and 2023 because of the war in Ukraine. But this year, the city wants to set aside political divides.
“It’s not about agreeing or disagreeing,” Suzuki said. “It’s about remembering. That’s the message Nagasaki wants to share.”
A Symbol of Peace Amid Global Division
Today, tensions between major powers are rising again. Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and growing concerns about nuclear weapons in North Korea and Iran have all raised fears.
In this climate, Nagasaki wants to act as a voice for unity. The city hopes that by bringing everyone together, it can help build bridges.
Japan itself faces a complex position. While it is the only country to have suffered nuclear attacks, it still depends on U.S. nuclear protection for its defense. This has caused some to question Japan’s role as a peace advocate.
Still, cities like Nagasaki and Hiroshima work hard to promote disarmament and international cooperation. Their memorials are places where people of all backgrounds can come together.
Remembering the Past, Preparing for the Future
The upcoming ceremony will include speeches from survivors, a moment of silence, and cultural events. There will also be calls for disarmament, especially with nuclear weapons once again in the news.
Earlier this year, the Doomsday Clock, a symbol of global danger, was set to 90 seconds to midnight—the closest in its history. Scientists and peace groups cited the threat of nuclear war, climate change, and disinformation as reasons.
Nagasaki’s move to invite all countries could help remind leaders that peace is possible, even in difficult times.
The Power of a City’s Voice
The city’s history makes it a unique messenger for peace. Survivors continue to speak around the world, and the Nagasaki Peace Park welcomes millions of visitors each year. The city’s message is simple: “Never Again.”
Mayor Suzuki hopes this year’s event will be a turning point. “We want people to feel the weight of what happened here,” he said. “Only then can we stop it from happening again.”
A Step Toward Healing
By including all nations, Nagasaki hopes to show that peace can be stronger than politics. The city believes that remembering the past is the first step to building a better future.
The memorial is expected to draw international leaders, peace activists, and citizens. It will be held at Nagasaki Peace Park, near the site of the atomic explosion.