The Last Milestone for Hiroshima Survivors
Hiroshima, Japan, marked the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the city, a somber occasion that brought together survivors, global leaders, and citizens to reflect on the devastating impact of nuclear weapons. Many of the aging survivors expressed frustration over the increasing support for nuclear weapons as a form of deterrence, highlighting the urgency of their message in a world where such threats continue to loom large.
With the number of survivors rapidly declining and their average age now exceeding 86, this anniversary is seen as the last major milestone for many of them. “There will be nobody left to pass on this sad and painful experience in 10 years or 20 years,” said Minoru Suzuto, a 94-year-old survivor, after kneeling down to pray at the cenotaph. “That’s why I want to share (my story) as much as I can.”
The bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, destroyed the city and killed 140,000 people. A second bomb dropped three days later on Nagasaki killed 70,000. Japan surrendered on August 15, ending World War II and Japan’s nearly half-century of aggression in Asia.
A Warning from the Mayor
Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui warned against the growing acceptance of military buildups and the use of nuclear weapons for national security, especially during Russia’s war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. He emphasized that these developments disregard the lessons learned from historical tragedies and threaten the peacebuilding frameworks constructed by many.
Matsui urged younger generations to recognize that such “misguided policies” could lead to “utterly inhumane” consequences for their future. He stressed the importance of carrying forward the survivors’ testimony and message of peace, noting that remembering the past is essential for protecting and building peace today and in the future.
Prayers, Tributes, and Hope
Approximately 55,000 people, including representatives from a record 120 countries and regions, attended the ceremony. A minute of silence was held while a peace bell rang out at 8:15 a.m., the time when a U.S. B-29 dropped the bomb on the city. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, the city’s mayor, and other officials laid flowers at the cenotaph. Dozens of white doves, a symbol of peace, were released after the mayor’s speech.
Hours before the official ceremony, survivors and their families began paying tribute to the victims at the Peace Memorial Park, near the hypocenter of the nuclear blast 80 years ago. Kazuo Miyoshi, a 74-year-old retiree, came to honor his grandfather and two cousins who died in the bombing and prayed that the “mistake” will never be repeated.
Global Voices for Peace
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed hope in a statement read by Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. He noted Nihon Hidankyo’s Nobel Peace Prize and countries’ re-commitment to a nuclear-free world in “the Pact for the Future” adopted last year.
Guterres emphasized the importance of carrying forward the survivors’ testimony and message of peace. He also highlighted the need to remember the past to protect and build peace today and in the future.
Protests and Calls for Change
Near Hiroshima’s iconic Atomic Bomb Dome under high security, more than 200 protesters gathered, holding posters and flags with messages such as “No Nuke, Stop War” and “Free Gaza! No more genocide.” Local police reported two arrests related to incidents involving security guards.
Survivors have consistently called for nuclear abolishment rather than deterrence. Wednesday’s anniversary comes at a time when possession of nuclear weapons for deterrence is increasingly supported by the international community, including Japan.
Japan’s Stance on Nuclear Weapons
Japan’s government has rejected the survivors’ request to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons or attend its meetings as observers because it is under the protection of the U.S. nuclear umbrella. Mayor Matsui urged the Japanese government to sign and ratify the nuclear weapons ban treaty, a request also made by several groups of survivors in their meeting with Ishiba after the ceremony.
Ishiba reiterated his government’s pledge to work toward a world without nuclear weapons but did not mention the treaty and again indicated his government’s support for nuclear weapons possession for deterrence. He justified Japan’s reliance on U.S. nuclear deterrence, stating that Japan, which follows a non-nuclear principle, is surrounded by neighbors that possess nuclear weapons.
Survivors’ Frustration and Calls for Accountability
Past prime ministers have stressed Japan’s status as the world’s only country to have suffered nuclear attacks and have said Japan is determined to pursue peace, but survivors say it’s a hollow promise. The Japanese government has only paid compensation to war veterans and their families, even though survivors have sought redress for civilian victims. They have also sought acknowledgment by the U.S. government of its responsibility for the civilian deaths.