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Nagasaki will welcome every country with a diplomatic mission in Japan to its annual atomic bomb memorial this August, including nations previously left out. Mayor Shiro Suzuki announced on May 8 that all 157 countries and regions, such as Russia, Belarus, and Israel, are invited to attend the 80th anniversary ceremony. This marks a significant shift from last year’s exclusions and reflects a broader call for peace and unity amid rising global tensions.

A Call for Global Peace and Shared Memory

Mayor Suzuki emphasized that the purpose of the memorial is to remember those who died in the atomic bombing and to promote peace — not to divide. “We are returning to the original goal of this memorial,” he said. “It is about honoring the victims and encouraging the world to come together.”

Nagasaki was bombed on August 9, 1945, three days after Hiroshima. Together, the attacks killed more than 210,000 people and played a key role in ending World War II. Today, the city continues to serve as a strong voice for nuclear disarmament and peace advocacy.

Previously Barred Nations Now Included

This year’s inclusive approach reverses recent exclusions. In 2024, Israel was not invited because of concerns linked to the conflict in Gaza, which officials feared might lead to protests during the memorial. That decision caused a boycott by the United States and five other G7 countries, along with the European Union.

In 2022 and 2023, both Russia and Belarus were left out due to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Their inclusion this year signals a new direction — one that puts remembrance ahead of political conflict.

Bridging Differences Through Dialogue

The new invitation list covers all 157 countries and diplomatic entities in Japan. Mayor Suzuki hopes that even countries involved in current conflicts will take part in the memorial. “We want all nations to see the human impact of nuclear war. It’s not about politics. It’s about people,” he said.

This decision is seen by many as a bold move in a time of rising international tensions. It also reflects Japan’s historical role as the only country to have suffered nuclear attacks in war.

Japan’s Position on Nuclear Weapons

Although Japan promotes peace and nuclear disarmament, it still depends on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for national defense. This complex position — pushing for a world without nuclear weapons while relying on nuclear deterrence — creates a difficult balance for Japan’s leaders.

Mayor Suzuki acknowledged this issue. “Yes, there are contradictions. But we must still gather and remember. That is how we learn. That is how we move forward,” he stated.

The Memorial’s Symbolic Power

The Nagasaki memorial is more than a ceremony. It is a symbol of loss, hope, and a future without nuclear weapons. Each year, survivors (known as hibakusha) share their stories. Students read peace messages. Leaders from around the world send words of support.

By opening the doors to all nations this year, Nagasaki aims to send a strong signal: peace can only be built when everyone is at the table — even those with whom we disagree.

What to Expect This August

The 80th anniversary ceremony will take place on August 9, 2025. It will include a moment of silence at 11:02 a.m., the exact time the bomb exploded over the city. Speeches by survivors and political leaders are expected, alongside musical tributes and peace declarations.

Given this new inclusive approach, the event may draw greater international attention than in recent years. City officials are preparing for a larger audience and increased media coverage.