By Krishna Dua 
Nagasaki Day 2025: A Solemn 80th Anniversary and an Enduring Peace Legacy
August 9, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, a day of profound remembrance and a renewed call for global peace. Eight decades ago, a single bomb shattered a city, forever changing the course of history. Today, as the world confronts new geopolitical tensions, the message from the city of Nagasaki—a message of prayer, resilience, and unwavering commitment to a nuclear-free world—is more urgent than ever.
This milestone anniversary will see Nagasaki’s citizens, surviving hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors), and international dignitaries gather at the Peace Park to honor the victims and amplify a declaration of peace to the world. It is a moment to reflect on the past, understand the present, and commit to shaping a future where such a tragedy is never repeated.
The Day the World Changed: August 9, 1945
At 11:02 a.m. on that fateful day, a U.S. B-29 bomber, the Bockscar, dropped the “Fat Man” plutonium bomb. Intended for the city of Kokura, a thick cloud cover led the crew to their secondary target: Nagasaki. The bomb exploded over the Urakami Valley, an industrial and religious center of the city. The blast was instantaneous and catastrophic. Approximately 74,000 people were killed by the end of 1945, and countless more suffered from the long-term effects of radiation sickness. The vibrant landscape was reduced to a scorched wasteland, leaving an indelible scar on the city and its people.
The bombing of Nagasaki, just three days after the bombing of Hiroshima, brought a swift end to World War II but simultaneously inaugurated the nuclear age. It was a stark demonstration of the destructive power humanity had unleashed, forcing the world to confront the moral and existential implications of these new weapons.
The Voices of the Hibakusha: A Fading Legacy
The hibakusha, the direct survivors of the bombings, are the moral heart of the peace movement. For decades, they have carried the heavy burden of their memories, sharing their personal stories of horror, loss, and resilience with anyone who would listen. They have tirelessly campaigned for the abolition of nuclear weapons, driven by the profound belief that no one else should endure what they have.
As the 80th anniversary approaches, the number of surviving hibakusha is dwindling. Their average age is now well into the 80s, making their continued testimony an increasingly precious and urgent task. The city of Nagasaki, in cooperation with the Japanese government and various international organizations, has committed to preserving these testimonies for future generations. This includes digital archives and educational programs to ensure their stories remain a living legacy, a clarion call against the inhumanity of nuclear war. This anniversary is a poignant opportunity to honor their incredible strength and to carry their torch forward.
A City’s Enduring Prayer for Peace
The annual Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony, held at the Peace Park, is the focal point of the city’s commemoration. Every year, at 11:02 a.m.—the exact moment the bomb exploded—a moment of silence is observed. A bell is rung, symbolizing mourning for the dead and a deep-seated prayer for peace.
The ceremony is a solemn event, attended by the Prime Minister of Japan, ambassadors from nations around the world, and representatives from civil society. During the ceremony, the Mayor of Nagasaki delivers the annual Peace Declaration. This address is a powerful and authoritative moral discourse that speaks to the world on nuclear abolition. While Hiroshima’s message has often been characterized by “anger” (ikari) at the injustice of the bombing, Nagasaki’s has been described as a message of “prayer” (inori), reflecting the city’s strong Christian history and its profound desire for reconciliation and lasting peace.
For the 80th anniversary, the Mayor’s declaration is expected to be a particularly forceful and emotional appeal. It will likely urge nuclear-armed states to disarm, calling on the global community to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The declaration will not only memorialize the past but also serve as a blueprint for a peaceful future, urging citizens worldwide to use their collective power to influence their governments and demand a world free of nuclear threats.
A Global Call to Action in 2025
The 80th anniversary of Nagasaki Day arrives at a critical juncture in international relations. Recent reports, such as those from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), indicate that global nuclear arsenals are expected to grow in the coming years as states modernize their weapons and geopolitical tensions rise. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for a renewed commitment to nuclear disarmament.
The city of Nagasaki, and its sister city Hiroshima, have a unique moral authority on this issue. Their pleas for a nuclear-free world are not abstract; they are rooted in lived experience and profound suffering. Through their partnership with organizations like Mayors for Peace, they are working to build a global grassroots movement for a culture of peace over one of war. The 80th anniversary provides a powerful platform for these efforts, galvanizing international support for the TPNW and other disarmament initiatives.
The day’s events will not be confined to Japan. Peace vigils, ceremonies, and educational forums will be held in cities across the globe, from New York and London to other capitals, bringing the message of Nagasaki to a worldwide audience. These events will remind people that the lessons of 1945 are not just historical footnotes but are critically relevant to the challenges of today.
The Legacy of a Reborn City
Today, Nagasaki is a vibrant, modern city, rebuilt from the ashes of war. Yet, the scars remain as powerful symbols. The Nagasaki Peace Park, the Atomic Bomb Museum, and the restored Urakami Cathedral all serve as solemn reminders of the past and powerful emblems of hope. The city’s identity is inextricably linked to its tragic history, but it has chosen to transform that trauma into a mission. It is a city that prays, not just for itself, but for the entire world.
The 80th anniversary of Nagasaki Day is more than a historical commemoration. It is a living event, a moment of profound reflection and a global call to action. It is a day to remember the victims, to honor the survivors, and to recommit ourselves to the collective work of building a world where the destructive power of the atom is never again used against humanity.