I send this message to you as a representative of the citizens of Nagasaki on the occasion of International Peace & Humanity Day 2024.
I extend my deep respect and gratitude to San Diego-WISH, the organizers of this event, for sharing the experiences of atomic bombings with people outside of Japan, and for your continued efforts towards deepening mutual understanding in order to create a society of mutual respect and acceptance.
At 11:02 a.m. on August 9, 1945, the city of Nagasaki was instantly destroyed by a single atomic bomb. There were 150,000 casualties to the Nagasaki population of 240,000. Those who managed to escape suffered lifelong emotional and physical aftereffects that continue to afflict our small group of survivors, even today, 79 years later.
Ever since, the survivors of the calamity and the citizens of Nagasaki have continued to call for “a world without nuclear weapons” so that no one else ever has to experience such tragedy.
However, looking at our world today, where we are witnessing the loss of precious lives and the disruption of entire societies due to the prolonged war of more than two years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and intensifying military conflict in the Middle East, there is heightened risk of nuclear weapon deployment.
It’s often said that the issues relating to war and nuclear weapons are matters to be worked out between countries, and there is not much we, the citizens, can do. However, that is not true. It’s in times of uncertainly like today that it’s important for us to combine our efforts even more than before and make louder our voices calling for nuclear disarmament.
I believe that International Peace & Humanity Day 2024 provides a great opportunity to have many people reflect on what they can do for world peace and take a step toward action.
In closing, may today’s event organizers and everyone in attendance enjoy good health and happiness.
Shiro Suzuki
Mayor of Nagasaki
August 5, 2024
