NAGASAKI MARKS 81ST ATOMIC BOMB ANNIVERSARY AS MAYOR SAYS NUCLEAR DETERRENCE ONLY INCREASES RISK

On Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, Nagasaki observed the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing with a minute of silence at the Peace Park. Mayor Shiro Suzuki used the ceremony to condemn nuclear weapons, labeling them "absolute evil" and warning that nuclear deterrence increases risk.

According to the Associated Press, the mayor denounced growing support for nuclear deterrence and urged the Japanese government to uphold its three post‑war non‑nuclear principles. His remarks came amid the Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration revising defense policy to strengthen offensive capabilities, sparking speculation that Takaichi may allow nuclear weapons to be stationed in Japan, a move that would violate the country’s third non‑nuclear principle. Suzuki cautioned that while some countries claim possession deters attack, the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings prove the human cost of crossing a nuclear line, calling the deterrence theory "dangerous and fragile."

The anniversary recalls the devastation wrought by the 1945 bombings, underscoring Japan’s long‑standing commitment to nuclear disarmament and its three non‑nuclear principles.

• 81st anniversary of the 1945 atomic bombing observed with a minute of silence in Nagasaki
• Mayor Shiro Suzuki condemned nuclear weapons and warned against nuclear deterrence
• Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s defense policy revision raises speculation about potential nuclear weapon deployment

Read the original source for full detail available at Associated Press src