Nagasaki Marks 81st Atomic Bomb Anniversary With Nuclear War Warning

Nagasaki marked the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing on Sunday, with the city's mayor warning nuclear powers and deterrence-reliant nations of an increased risk of nuclear war.

Mayor Shiro Suzuki denounced nuclear weapons as absolute evil and criticized growing support for nuclear deterrence globally, including within Japan. The commemoration occurred as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government has begun revising Japan’s defense policy to bolster its offensive capabilities. This policy shift coincides with increasing doubts over the reliability of the U.S. security umbrella and China's growing military presence in the region.

The anniversary ceremony took place at the Peace Park memorial. The city's warning comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Mideast conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war.