The mayor of Nagasaki, Shiro Suzuki, described nuclear weapons as the “absolute evil” during the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing by the United States on the southwestern Japanese city. He criticized the growing support for nuclear deterrence and urged the Japanese government to adhere to its post-war non-nuclear principles.
The anniversary coincided with the Japanese government’s review of its defense policy under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, aimed at enhancing the military’s offensive capabilities. Speculations arise around Takaichi possibly allowing nuclear weapons in Japan, which contradicts the third non-nuclear principle.
Suzuki emphasized that, while some assert that possessing nuclear weapons deters potential attackers, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki show that humanity may cross the line. According to Suzuki, “The theory of nuclear deterrence is extremely dangerous and fragile. Nuclear weapons are not a ‘necessary evil,’ but an ‘absolute evil’ and cannot coexist with humanity.” He called on leaders of nuclear-armed states and those relying on nuclear deterrence to recognize that dependence on this strategy increases the risk of nuclear war.
The United States bombed Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, killing 70,000 by year’s end. This occurred three days after the Hiroshima bombing, which claimed 140,000 lives. Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945, ending World War II and nearly half a century of aggression in Asia.
Over 90 countries’ representatives attended the ceremony at the Peace Park on Sunday, observing a minute of silence at 11:02 a.m., marking the detonation of a plutonium bomb, “Fat Man,” by a B-29. Suzuki urged the Japanese government to honor its pacifist Constitution and attend the meeting to review the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons later this year, upholding the three non-nuclear principles.
Prime Minister Takaichi, present at the ceremony, reiterated her commitment to a “realistic and pragmatic” approach to achieving a nuclear weapon-free world. She remained noncommittal regarding the three non-nuclear principles and reaffirmed Japan’s current policy. Takaichi did not address the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which Japan has not signed, being under the U.S. nuclear umbrella.
She later mentioned to journalists that Japan’s policy involves working within the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, deciding actions on treaties based on what ensures national security and promotes nuclear disarmament.
Survivors have voiced frustration, criticizing the Japanese government’s backing of nuclear deterrence as insincere. Concerns over potential relaxation of non-nuclear principles under Takaichi have sparked protests from survivors, known as hibakusha, in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The number of survivors has dwindled to 91,105, about a quarter of the original, with an average age over 86 years. They fear that memories will fade, as younger survivors may not clearly recall the attack.
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