Hiroshima marks 81st anniversary of atomic bombing, mayor urges nuclear disarmament

Hiroshima on Saturday commemorated the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing that devastated the city, with its mayor issuing a strong call for global nuclear disarmament.

Mayor Kazumi Matsui addressed the ceremony, directly criticizing major world powers for their involvement in ongoing conflicts. He urged these nations to abandon nuclear weapons as a means of deterrence, emphasizing the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of their use.

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Major powers are still pursuing nuclear deterrence. This is a grave threat to world peace.

The annual ceremony, held at the Peace Memorial Park, brought together survivors, officials, and citizens to remember the estimated 140,000 people who died in the bombing on August 6, 1945, and in the subsequent days. It served as a poignant reminder of the horrors of nuclear warfare and a renewed commitment to peace.

Matsui's remarks underscored the enduring message of Hiroshima: that the use of nuclear weapons must never be repeated. The city continues to advocate for a world free from nuclear arms, using the tragedy of its past to fuel its present-day activism for global security.

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We must reject the exercise of threats and the use of force as means of settling international disputes.