Nagasaki's 79th Atomic Bombing Memorial: Diplomacy and Controversy

Nagasaki commemorated the 79th anniversary of its atomic bombing with a ceremony notably missing the American ambassador and other Western envoys, responding to the city's exclusion of Israel. Mayor Suzuki and Prime Minister Kishida called for nuclear disarmament. The event underscores geopolitical tensions, highlighted by recent US-Japan security commitments.

Nagasaki marked the 79th anniversary of its atomic bombing at the end of World War II with a significant ceremony on Friday, notably overshadowed by the absence of the American ambassador and other Western envoys due to the city's decision not to invite Israel.

Mayor Shiro Suzuki, speaking at Nagasaki Peace Park, urged nuclear-armed states and those under their nuclear umbrellas, including Japan, to eliminate these weapons.

"The existence of nuclear weapons poses an increasing threat to humankind. A brave shift toward abolition is necessary," Suzuki stated, pointing to global conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

(With inputs from agencies.)