On Tuesday, the mayor of Hiroshima, Kazumi Matsui, expressed grave concern over the escalating conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, which he said are fostering global fear and mistrust. His remarks came during the 79th anniversary commemoration of the atomic bombing that ravaged the city. In a somber address at a memorial event for the victims of the US nuclear attack on August 6, 1945, which claimed approximately 140,000 lives, Matsui highlighted the ongoing suffering caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the deteriorating conditions between Israel and Palestine. "These ongoing conflicts are not only claiming the lives of countless innocents but also undermining trust and security among nations, perpetuating the misguided belief that military force is the only solution to international disputes," he stated.
The devastating attacks on Hiroshima and, shortly thereafter, Nagasaki, which killed around 74,000 people, marked the end of World War II. Japan remains the sole nation to have experienced atomic warfare during conflict. At the recent memorial, attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, participants in black attire paid their respects by bowing and laying wreaths at the cenotaph inscribed with "rest in peace." Despite its transformation into a bustling city of 1.2 million, Hiroshima preserves the ruins of a domed building in its center as a poignant reminder of the tragedy.
For the third consecutive year, due to the Ukraine crisis, neither Russia nor Belarus were invited to the ceremony. This year's event also marked the first peace memorial since Israel initiated a military campaign in Gaza last year, prompted by an assault from Palestinian militants. While the Israeli ambassador participated as usual, local media noted that Hiroshima has not extended invitations to Palestinian representatives. The Palestinian General Mission to Japan expressed its surprise on social media last month, stating, "It is shocking that Palestine was not invited."
A city official revealed to AFP in June that Hiroshima's invitation to Israel emphasized the need for "immediate ceasefire and resolution through dialogue." However, this year, the Israeli ambassador was not invited to the Nagasaki peace ceremony. Nagasaki clarified that this decision was precautionary, aiming to avoid any unforeseen issues.
