Latest news with #PeaceMemorialCeremony
Al-Ahram Weekly
5 days ago
- General
- Al-Ahram Weekly
PHOTO GALLERY: Prayers and lanterns for the dead as Hiroshima marks 80 years since the attack with the first atomic bomb
People watch as small bonfires are lit along the Motoyasu River in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome during a ceremony in remembrance of the victims on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP People watch as small bonfires are lit along the Motoyasu River in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome during a ceremony in remembrance of the victims on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP Visitors release paper lanterns with written messages out onto the Motoyasu River to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP Visitors release paper lanterns with written messages out onto the Motoyasu River to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP Visitors light incense sticks and pray at the Peace Memorial Park ahead of the memorial service to mark the 80th anniversary of the WWII U.S. atomic bombing in Hiroshima. AP Visitors light incense sticks and pray at the Peace Memorial Park ahead of the memorial service to mark the 80th anniversary of the WWII U.S. atomic bombing in Hiroshima. AP A volunteer pushes paper lanterns out onto the Motoyasu River after they were released by visitors to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP A volunteer pushes paper lanterns out onto the Motoyasu River after they were released by visitors to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP A woman lights incense sticks and prays at the Peace Memorial Park ahead of the memorial service to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima early. AFP A woman lights incense sticks and prays at the Peace Memorial Park ahead of the memorial service to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima early. AFP The Atomic Bomb Dome is seen in Hiroshima City. AFP The Atomic Bomb Dome is seen in Hiroshima City. AFP Attendees carry floral wreaths to hand over to city officials laying them at the Memorial Cenotaph, during the Peace Memorial Ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP Attendees carry floral wreaths to hand over to city officials laying them at the Memorial Cenotaph, during the Peace Memorial Ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP Invited guests queue to lay bouquets of flowers at the Memorial Cenotaph during the Peace Memorial Ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP Invited guests queue to lay bouquets of flowers at the Memorial Cenotaph during the Peace Memorial Ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (C) lays a wreath at the Memorial Cenotaph during the Peace Memorial Ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (C) lays a wreath at the Memorial Cenotaph during the Peace Memorial Ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP A young man and woman prepare to ring the bell to remember those lost in the bombing, during the Peace Memorial Ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP A young man and woman prepare to ring the bell to remember those lost in the bombing, during the Peace Memorial Ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP
UPI
6 days ago
- Politics
- UPI
Japanese leaders call for nuclear abolition on Hiroshima 80th anniversary
1 of 7 | Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivers a speech during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima Atomic Bombing in Hiroshima-Prefecture, Japan on Wednesday. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo Aug. 6 (UPI) -- The mayor of Hiroshima called out nuclear-armed nations Wednesday as Japan marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of his city. "Despite the current turmoil at the nation-state level, we, the people, must never give up," Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui said during Japan's annual Peace Memorial Ceremony, held at the city's Peace Memorial Park. "Instead, we must work even harder to build civil society consensus that nuclear weapons must be abolished for a genuinely peaceful world." Approximately 55,000 people attended the event, which included representation from 120 nations and regions. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was also present at the ceremony and spoke out against nuclear weapons. "The widening of the division within the international community over approaches to nuclear disarmament has made the current security environment even more challenging," Ishiba said. "But that is exactly why we must make all-out efforts to bring about a world without nuclear war and a world without nuclear weapons under the regime of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime." The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is an international accord intended to stop the spread and use of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, and for its signees to move toward nuclear disarmament. The remembrance ceremony of Hiroshima's atomic bombing comes at a heightened time between nuclear world powers. Russia announced Monday it was ending a self-imposed moratorium on the development of short- and medium-range nuclear missiles, days after the Trump administration announced it was moving two nuclear submarines to defensive positions. The United States and Russia currently possess nearly 90% of all nuclear weapons worldwide. Russia did not have any representation at the Hiroshima observance. U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass, who was present, posted to X that "On this solemn day of reflection, we pay homage to the people of Hiroshima and their enduring message of peace and hope." It was on Aug. 6, 1945 that the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima at 8:15 a.m. Japan Standard Time.
Asahi Shimbun
6 days ago
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
‘Never give up': Hiroshima vows to embody the hibakusha spirit
Mourners gathered to observe a moment of silence at 8:15 a.m., the exact time the United States dropped the first atomic bomb 80 years ago, in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima's Naka Ward on Aug. 6. (Masaru Komiyaji) HIROSHIMA—Mourners pledged to carry on the work of the hibakusha, most of whom have passed, to abolish nuclear weapons as Japan marked 80 years since the atomic bomb caused an immense loss of life. Many visited the Peace Memorial Park here in the city's Naka Ward before sunrise on Aug. 6 to pay their respects. During the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony, attendees from far and near observed a moment of silence at 8:15 a.m., the exact time when the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on the city. Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui delivered his peace declaration, in which he observed there remains no end in sight regarding Israel's attacks on Gaza and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The mayor expressed his concern, saying, "Feeling the pressure of this situation, policymakers in some countries even accept the idea that 'nuclear weapons are essential for national defense.'" In the declaration, the mayor quoted a phrase frequently expressed by the late Sunao Tsuboi, a leading figure of Nihon Hidankyo (The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations), which won the Nobel Peace Prize last year. 'Never give up.' The mayor said Tsuboi often told young people, 'Building a peaceful world without nuclear weapons will demand our never-give-up spirit. We have to talk and keep talking to people who hold opposing views.' The mayor added: 'Despite the current turmoil at the nation-state level, we, the people, must never give up. Instead, we must work even harder to build civil society consensus that nuclear weapons must be abolished for a genuinely peaceful world.' The mayor also urged policymakers around the world to abandon 'security policies derived from narrow self-interest' and start 'discussing a security framework based on trust through dialogue.' Despite being a country that suffered two atomic bombings, Japan has not joined the United Nation's Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The mayor called on the Japanese government to respond to the wishes of hibakusha by becoming a member party of the TPNW and participating as an observer in the treaty's first review conference next year. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivered a speech at the ceremony and stated, 'Leading the international community's efforts toward a world without nuclear weapons is the mission of our country, the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings in war.' However, like previous prime ministers, Ishiba did not mention the TPNW in his speech. A record number of representatives from 120 countries and regions attended this year's ceremony. Taiwan and Palestine, whose statehood Japan does not officially recognize, also participated for the first time. Belarus, an ally of Russia that had not been invited for three consecutive years until last year, attended for the first time in four years. Meanwhile, Russia was absent. A register of the atomic bomb victims was dedicated at the ceremony. It includes the names of 4,940 hibakusha confirmed to have passed away within the past year. This addition brings the total number of deceased to 349,246.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Hiroshima marks 80 years as US-Russia nuclear tensions rise
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Japanese former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shakes hands with US Ambassador to Japan George Glass before the Peace Memorial Ceremony on Aug 6. HIROSHIMA - Japan marked 80 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Aug 6 with a ceremony reminding the world of the horrors unleashed, as sabre-rattling between the United States and Russia keeps the nuclear 'Doomsday Clock' close to midnight. A silent prayer was held at 8.15 am (7.15am Singapore time), the moment when US aircraft Enola Gay dropped Little Boy over the western Japanese city on Aug 6, 1945. On a sweltering morning, hundreds of black-clad officials, students and survivors laid flowers at the memorial cenotaph, with the ruins of a domed building in the background, a stark reminder of the horrors that unfolded. In a speech, Hiroshima mayor Kazumi Matsui warned of 'an accelerating trend toward military buildup around the world', against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the chaos in the Middle East. 'These developments flagrantly disregard the lessons the international community should have learned from the tragedies of history,' he said. 'They threaten to topple the peacebuilding frameworks so many have worked so hard to construct.' The final death toll of the Hiroshima attack would hit around 140,000 people, killed not just by the colossal blast and the ball of fire, but also later by the radiation. Three days after Little Boy, on Aug 9, another atomic bomb killed 74,000 people in Nagasaki. Imperial Japan surrendered on Aug 15, bringing an end to World War II. Today, Hiroshima is a thriving metropolis of 1.2 million but the attacks live on in the memories of many. On the eve of the ceremony, people began lining up to pay their respects to the victims in front of the cenotaph. Before dawn on Aug 6, families who had lost loved ones in the attack also came to pray. Ms Yoshie Yokoyama, 96, who came in a wheelchair with her grandson, told reporters that her parents and grandparents were bomb victims. 'My grandfather died soon after the bombing, while my father and mother both died after developing cancer. My parents-in-law also died, so my husband couldn't see them again when he came back from battlefields after the war. 'People are still suffering,' she added. Aug 6's ceremony was set to include a record of around 120 countries and regions including, for the first time, Taiwanese and Palestinian representatives. Nihon Hidankyo, the grassroots organisation that won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024, is representing the dwindling number of survivors, known as hibakusha. As of March, there were 99,130 hibakusha, according to the Japanese health ministry, with the average age of 86. 'I want foreign envoys to visit the peace memorial museum and understand what happened,' the group's co-chair Toshiyuki Mimaki told local media ahead of the commemorations. Pope Leo XIV said in a statement that 'in our time of mounting global tensions and conflicts', Hiroshima and Nagasaki remained 'living reminders of the profound horrors wrought by nuclear weapons'. Younger generation The attacks remain the only time atomic bombs have been used in wartime. Mr Kunihiko Sakuma, 80, who survived the blasts as a baby, told AFP he was hopeful that there could eventually be a nuclear-free world. 'The younger generation is working hard for that end,' he said ahead of the ceremony. But in January, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' 'Doomsday Clock' shifted to 89 seconds to midnight, the closest in its 78-year history. The clock symbolising humanity's distance from destruction was last moved to 90 seconds to midnight over Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia and the United States account for around 90 per cent of the world's over 12,000 warheads, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). SIPRI warned in June that 'a dangerous new nuclear arms race is emerging at a time when arms control regimes are severely weakened,' with nearly all of the nine nuclear-armed states modernising their arsenals. Earlier in August, US President Donald Trump said that he had ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines following an online spat with former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. In July, Mr Matsui urged Mr Trump to visit Hiroshima after the US president likened the 1945 atomic bombings to air strikes on Iran in June. 'It seems to me that he does not fully understand the reality of the atomic bombings, which, if used, take the lives of many innocent citizens, regardless of whether they were friend or foe, and threaten the survival of the human race,' Mr Matsui said at the time. AFP
Asahi Shimbun
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
Taiwan to attend Nagasaki peace ceremony for the first time
The memorial ceremony to mark the 79th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki held at the city's Peace Park on Aug. 9, 2024 (Kengo Hiyoshi) NAGASAKI--Taiwan for the first time will attend Nagasaki's annual Peace Memorial Ceremony on Aug. 9 to mark the 80th anniversary of the city's atomic bombing. Mayor Shiro Suzuki told reporters on July 5 that Taiwan had expressed interest in taking part and that the city had responded affirmatively. Historically, Nagasaki has not invited Taiwan to the ceremony due to Japan's lack of formal diplomatic relations with the island. This year's anniversary of the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki stands as a powerful symbol of the horrors of nuclear warfare. Officials here explained that formal invitations to the ceremony are typically based on the Foreign Ministry's list of diplomatic missions in Japan. But starting this year, even if a country does not have an embassy in Japan, the city will still send a less formal notification of the event. This applies if the country has representation at the United Nations, as is the case with North Korea, for example. Because Taiwan falls outside these categories, Nagasaki officials did not initially plan to invite the self-ruled island. However, the city reconsidered its policy after Taipei expressed disappointment. The decision reflects a broader trend this year of extending invitations to countries that had been excluded in recent years. This includes Russia, Belarus and Israel, which were previously left off the guest list due to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Hiroshima, which hosts its own peace ceremony on Aug. 6, similarly confirmed Taiwan's interest and sent an invitation back in May.
