Japanese Emperor Naruhito, alongside his wife Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko, commemorated the victims of the atomic bombing in Nagasaki on the 80th anniversary of the tragic event. This visit was part of a broader tour of significant World War II sites, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past.
At the peace memorial park in Nagasaki, the royal family paid their respects by bowing deeply and laying bouquets of white flowers at the cenotaph dedicated to atomic bombing victims. The bombing occurred at 11:02 AM on August 9, 1945, resulting in the deaths of over 70,000 people by the end of that year. This attack followed only three days after the United States dropped a uranium bomb on Hiroshima, which killed approximately 140,000 individuals.
Emperor Naruhito has consistently underscored the necessity of passing down the memories of war to younger generations. His visit to Nagasaki was not isolated; it coincided with the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, which marked the end of World War II and Japan’s military aggression in Asia.
In a dedicated effort for remembrance and atonement, Naruhito has visited various historic sites, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Hiroshima. In July, he and Empress Masako recognized the plight of thousands of Japanese prisoners held in harsh conditions during the war in Mongolia, reflecting on the legacy of his grandfather, Emperor Hirohito.
As part of their visit to Nagasaki, the royal family planned to tour the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, where they would view exhibits and interact with survivors of the atomic bomb. On Saturday, they are scheduled to visit a nursing home dedicated to survivors, many of whom are now over 86 years old. These individuals have voiced their concerns regarding the increasing nuclear threat in recent years, despite their long-standing grassroots efforts aimed at abolishing nuclear weapons.
The royal family’s actions highlight not only a commitment to honoring the past but also a dedication to addressing ongoing global issues related to nuclear proliferation. Their presence serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of striving for peace in the present and future.
