As the world observes Nagasaki Day on August 9, 2023, we remember the tragic events of 78 years ago when Japan’s Nagasaki became the target of the second US atomic bombing during World War II. The devastating attack occurred just three days after the first nuclear bomb, “Little Boy,” was dropped on Hiroshima.
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed condolences to the victims of the catastrophic attack and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to creating a world free from nuclear weapons. In a video message, he emphasized, “The tragedy that occurred in Nagasaki 78 years ago today must never be repeated. As the only country to have suffered atomic bombings, we will continue our efforts to realize a world free of nuclear weapons.”
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres also paid tribute to the victims and stressed the urgency of eliminating nuclear weapons to prevent such devastation from occurring again.
On August 9, 1945, the United States dropped the ‘Fat Man’ atomic bomb on Nagasaki, leading to Japan’s unconditional surrender in World War II. The catastrophic event claimed the lives of over 80,000 people initially, with an additional 70,000 succumbing to radiation-related illnesses later. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nuclear weapons and the importance of preventing their use.
Nagasaki Day holds global significance, serving as a platform to advocate for peace and raise awareness about the dangers posed by nuclear weapons. It encourages anti-war and anti-nuclear demonstrations across many countries, fostering discussions on the critical need to eliminate nuclear risks and promote a peaceful world.
As we reflect on this solemn occasion, we are reminded of the imperative to work towards a world devoid of nuclear weapons, where the horrors of Nagasaki and Hiroshima are never repeated.
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