| Written by Joyce Nzomo |
On Wednesday morning, Japan held a moment of silence to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by the United States during World War II.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, along with international delegates and Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui, attended the memorial event.
Mayor Matsui voiced concern over the increasing global trend toward military buildup and the belief that nuclear weapons are vital for national defense, warning that such views ignore the painful lessons of history.
The bombing of Hiroshima and days later, Nagasaki led to Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II. The attacks killed over 200,000 people, many instantly, while others died later from radiation-related illnesses and burns.
Survivors, known as hibakusha, continue to share their experiences. One such survivor, Shingo Naito, was only six years old when the bomb hit.
His father, who suffered severe burns and was blinded, later died along with Naito’s younger siblings. Today, students in Hiroshima are turning Naito’s memories into artwork to preserve the history.
In 2024, Nihon Hidankyo a group of atomic bomb survivors was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its campaign to eliminate nuclear weapons.
During the commemoration, Mayor Matsui criticized the weakening state of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and urged Japan to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of nuclear weapons, which came into effect in 2021.
Although over 70 countries have signed on, nuclear powers like the US and Russia oppose it, citing the need for nuclear deterrence. Japan also rejects the treaty, claiming protection under the US nuclear umbrella.
On the streets near Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, small protests called for the elimination of nuclear weapons.
Another survivor, Satoshi Tanaka who developed multiple cancers from radiation said current conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine stir memories of Hiroshima’s destruction.
He stressed the urgency of global pressure on nuclear-armed nations, urging people worldwide to raise their voices and demand change.
