Hiroshima Marks 81 Years Since Atomic Bombing, Mayor Urges End to Nuclear Reliance

Hiroshima commemorated the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing on Thursday, the first time a nuclear weapon was used in conflict. The city's mayor issued a powerful plea for the world to abandon its reliance on nuclear arms for deterrence.

During his peace declaration at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park ceremony, Mayor Kazumi Matsui directly criticized major global powers for continuing wars. He cautioned that the acceptance of nuclear deterrence as a security strategy significantly heightens the risk of repeating the catastrophic events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. "The degradation of the humanity of nuclear weapons and the acceptance of violence to pursue our own prosperity risk cycles of violent retaliation that could ultimately lead to another Hiroshima or Nagasaki," he stated.

On August 6, 1945, a U.S. B-29 bomber dropped the atomic bomb known as "Little Boy" on Hiroshima. The detonation occurred approximately 600 meters above the city, with an explosive force equivalent to nearly 15,000 tons of TNT. The bombing devastated much of the city, causing the deaths of an estimated 140,000 people by the end of that year. Three days later, a second atomic bomb struck Nagasaki, killing around 70,000 more.

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The degradation of the humanity of nuclear weapons and the acceptance of violence to pursue our own prosperity risk cycles of violent retaliation that could ultimately lead to another Hiroshima or Nagasaki.

These attacks remain the only instances of nuclear weapons being used in warfare. At precisely 8:15 a.m., the exact moment the bomb hit Hiroshima, a moment of silence was observed, accompanied by the ringing of the peace bell. The ceremony was attended by approximately 50,000 people, including representatives from about 120 countries and regions.

Mayor Matsui further argued that the nuclear deterrence approach "moves the world further away from a planet without nuclear weapons." He urged citizens to learn from history, stating, "Too many political leaders still consider nuclear deterrence a realistic approach and legitimize violence." For the first time, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attended the ceremony, emphasizing that Japan would pursue a "realistic approach" to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. However, her government faces criticism from Hiroshima survivors who are concerned Tokyo might reconsider some of Japan's post-war nuclear principles.

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Too many political leaders still consider nuclear deterrence a realistic approach and legitimize violence.