NHK NEWSLINE special: Nagasaki Peace Ceremony – 80 years on – ーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
[Music] A statue symbolizing Nagasaki’s pledge for peace. A key icon today, 80 years since the city experienced the horror of an atomic bomb. The annual peace ceremony is underway. Welcome to this special edition of NHK News. I’m Yamamoto Miki in Tokyo. All these decades later, survivors are still not seeing what they’ve been desperately advocating for, a world free of nuclear weapons. Instead, conflicts continue. They say nuclear arms remain a threat. And the number of people alive to tell the stories of what happened is dropping. Over the next hour, we will bring you live coverage of the ceremony and look at how people are marking this day. Let’s hear from some of them. I prayed more strongly this year to abolish nuclear weapons and for world peace. I think it is necessary to pass down the real voices of the atomic bomb survivors to the next generation. I think that it is difficult to eliminate wars, but nuclear bombs are things that should never exist. The bomb detonated over the city at 11:02 a.m. on August 9th, 1945. It killed nearly everyone within a kilometer of the hyperenter. An estimated more than 70,000 people died by the end of that year alone. Nagasaki became the second city after Hiroshima to ever experience an atomic bombing. The survivors known as Hibbaka still suffer from the effects of radiation exposure. Now at the ceremony, the mayor of Nagasaki will soon be placing an updated list of victims at the Senotap. This year, 3,167 deaths have been added to the registry. That brings the total number to 201,942 names. The average age of hibia is now over 86 years old and there are fewer than 100,000 still alive. That brings the total number. Fewer heaksha means fewer opportunities to hear directly about what they witnessed and the suffering that endures. Many of them fear history could repeat itself someday. Let’s take a look back on their fight for a world free of nuclear weapons and how it continues today. In a flash, the world changed. Humanity learned it could unleash untold devastation and kill hundreds of thousands of people with a single bomb. Days later, a second flash cemented that reality. To date, Hiroshima and Nagasaki are the only cities to suffer this horror. But the threat remains 1. During the Cold War, the US and former Soviet Union began to stockpile the weapons. In 1962, they even came close to an all-out nuclear war during the Cuban missile crisis. In 1968, a global non-prololiferation treaty or NPT barred any country without an existing nuclear arsenal from possessing the weapons. Atomic bomb survivors known as Hibbachia have campaigned for a complete ban. In 2017 came the UN nuclear weapons ban treaty. But none of the five major nuclear powers have joined, nor countries that rely on the US nuclear umbrella, including Japan. Recent conflicts have again raised the spectre of nuclear weapons. Russia invaded Ukraine and threatened to use its arsenal. And in the Middle East, many feared Iran was working on a nuclear development program that prompted Israel and the United States to strike Iranian facilities. Some feared humanity would once again cross that unforgivable line. But there has also been hope for change. [Applause] Nihon Hidanku, a grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, is receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for 2024. The award recognized their efforts upholding what’s known as the nuclear taboo. There are few Hebacha left to tell their stories. But those still here today are determined to keep raising their voices for peace. They’re now passing that torch to the next generation. So their painful legacy will remain a part of history to be remembered but never repeated. Now about a five-minute walk from the ceremony lies one of Nagasaki’s iconic landmarks and that’s where my colleague Yamanguchi Hiroaki is standing by. So Hiaki, tell us more about where you are. Nikki, I’m in the city’s Urkakami district. This area has a long history as a bastion for Christians. It’s where the faith took root centuries ago after Catholic missionaries first came to Japan shores and it remains important for Catholics, symbolized by Urakami Cathedral. This building was destroyed by the bomb then rebuilt. Now the church bells will toll in about 10 minutes. That will mark the exact time the bomb went off. And this year they’ll make a sound that hasn’t been heard in 80 years. Let me explain. You’ll notice the cathedral has two bell towers. The one on the right houses one of the original bells which was recovered after the church was destroyed. The left side bell was broken in the bombing and its belfry remained empty even after the reconstruction until now. There is a new bell this year. That’s thanks in part to the efforts of a Japanese man and an American. Take a look. [Music] Hallelu. [Music] Never imagined this day would come. A new bell, a blessing, and a restoration 80 years in the making. He puts it this way. [Music] This bell. I think it’s a miracle that this kind of thing happened. Moruchi cares deeply for the past, working at an exhibit that teaches people about the atomic bombing. His father was a hibaksha and a Catholic. pictured here with the one Urakami Cathedral bell that survived. He would tell Moryuchi what it was like before the attack. I suppose the sound of those bells resonated in his ears for a long time. He used to say it was magnificent. He also told me repeatedly, “Never get involved in war.” Nagasaki’s Catholics were no strangers to suffering. They endured centuries of persecution and after Japan’s ban on Christianity was lifted, they built a towering cathedral. But it and Urakami district were destroyed by the bomb. Of the city’s 12,000 Catholics, about 8,500 were killed. When the church was rebuilt, one belfry was left empty. I only ever heard the sound of the bell that survived. I could never imagine what it was like to listen to the other one. I always hoped that someday I could hear them together. Two years ago, his prayers began to be answered. He met university professor James Nolan Jr. who was researching Nagasaki’s history after the bombing. Moruchi told Nolan of the bell and what it would mean if a replacement came from American Catholics. did that and my I think it’s all about I honestly just thought what an honor to be able to kind of contribute this way particularly given um our history you know and the fact that it was Americans who dropped the atom bomb on Nagasaki and what a beautiful thing it would be that we were the ones that uh helped to restore that bell yeah Nolan spread the word to Catholics across the US and appealed for donations Soon they funded the creation of a new bell delivered across the Pacific in time to replace the original almost 80 years after it came crashing down. How are you? Good to see you here. Moruchi and Nolan are there for the installation. [Music] It’s almost an exact replica. Both men hope its sound resonates beyond Nagasaki. I guess uh the the thing that I have found most heartening and and has been my wish is that it would bring joy to the people here and and so um if it brings a sense of joy um and peace I think that would be wonderful. From the bottom of my heart I hope for a world without war. Without war, there would be no need for nuclear weapons. This is the message I hope this bell will bring to the world. Moruchi says he’ll always be grateful to Nolan. He hopes what they accomplished can be a symbol of peace for all, regardless of faith or nationality. This project has generated a lot of interest. Now, a camera person is going to follow me around to a spot where we can look down the hill from the cathedral. You can see people have gathered in a nearby park despite some rain this morning. Everyone is excited to hear these bells ring out just a short time from now. at the exact moment the atomic bomb fell on this city 80 years ago. We’ll speak with one of the two men who made this possible in just a bit, but for now it’s back to you, Mickey. All right, thank you very much, Hiroaki. Now, this year the ceremony is expected to be attended by foreign dignitaries from 95 countries and regions. In May, Nagasaki’s mayor announced that all countries and regions with diplomatic ties to Japan will be invited to the ceremony, marking 80 years since the atomic bombing. He said amid deepening divisions, he wants all representatives to see firsthand the cruel and inhumane consequences of nuclear weapons. We are now approaching 11:02 a.m., the exact moment the atomic bomb exploded over Nagasaki. eight decades ago. People will fall silent to pay respect to the victims. After that, the mayor will deliver this year’s peace declaration. He is expected to speak on the spectre of nuclear war and call for immediate ceasefires around the world. Later, we’ll hear the pledge for peace, stories of survival from a representative of Hibbaka. A choir of local students will perform a song about the resilient power of trees that survive the bombing. Now, let’s go live to Nagasaki. This spot marks a hypoenter of the atomic bomb. Every year, people across the country mark the day by sending paper cranes to Nagasaki. Here are some of the messages that were sent with them. This says, “May this world be peaceful and full of compassion.” This hopes elderly people, children, everyone can live free of worry. World peace. These paper cranes are entrusted with wishes for peace. We are approaching 11:02 a.m. the exact time the atomic bomb exploded over Nagasaki. 80 years ago. We will observe a moment of silence to pray for the souls of the victims and for peace. [Music] Moto. [Music] We have now marked what happened here 80 years ago. Nagasaki. Now Nagasaki Mayor Suzuki Shiro will deliver the peace declaration. Fore Nagasaki peace declaration. On August 9th, 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped on this city. Now, 80 years since that day, possibly have imagined that our world would become like this. Force being met with such disputes must immediately cease. confrontation and fragmentation. Because of the vicious cycle of these two, conflicts around the world are intensifying. If we continue this way, we will thrust ourselves into a nuclear war. The existential crisis of humanity for each and every one of us living on Earth has become an imminent issue. In 1982, as the first hibaka to address the UN General Assembly, the late Yamaguchi described the horrific scene of the bombing as follows. I saw people all around me with extruding eyeballs, men and women showered with penetrating splinters of glass and wood, and a weeping young mother frantically holding on to her half decapitated baby. To my left and to my right, dead bodies lay fallen to the ground like stones. At the end of his address, he showed a photograph of his injuries and appealed forcefully to the world. Take a close look at my face and my arms. The people of the world and children born in the future shouldn’t have to face the bomb’s death and suffering like the hibbaka. Not even a single person. No more Hiroshimas. No more. No more Nagasakis. No more war. No more. No more hibaka. This cry from deep within his heart is the crystallization of the hibakshia’s feelings. With the power of their testimony, the hibbaka have moved the world. Their unshakable conviction as well as their actions have drawn praise. Last year, Nikon Hidanko was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Nihon Hidanko was established in 1956 while the Hibbakia struggled and suffered with deep mental and physical scars as well as prejudice and poverty. declaring they will save themselves while at the same time through the lessons learned through their experiences save humanity from its crisis. With this it was founded in Nagasaki. Humanity can rid itself of nuclear weapons. With this strong hope, the hibbaka continued to raise their voices, inspiring empathy in so many citizens, eventually leading to the idea of the global citizen becoming deeply rooted in Nagasaki. This phrase expresses the desire to go beyond barriers of race or national borders to become citizens of one big community known as Earth to build a peaceful future together. This global citizen perspective will it not serve as a driving force behind reuniting once again our fragmented world to the people of the world who are all global citizens. Though the power of one person alone may be weak, if we join together, it will lead to a great force to open a path to the future. The hibaka have shown this through their actions. The first step is to know the other person. We must repeatedly conduct dialogue and exchanges, understand each other and little by little build up trust. Civil society has a big role to play though what could be described as the universal languages of sports and the arts and through modern communication tools the opportunities for us to interact on a global scale are ever widening. The general conference of mayors for peace an organization of about 8,500 cities from across the world is currently meeting here in Nagasaki. They as the governments closest to their citizens are also deepening their bonds and expanding their circle of collaboration as global citizens. Let us build up empathy and trust and turn it into the power to create peace to the leaders of all the world’s nations who are also global citizens. This year, the United Nations, which was established under the resolution to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, marks a milestone, its 80th year. Now, I ask you to go back to the keystone values of the charter of the United Nations and restore multilateralism and the rule of law. Next year’s review conference of the parties to the treaty on the non-prololiferation nuclear weapons NPT will represent a crucial moment capable of swaying the fate of humanity. In order to make Nagasaki the last atomic bombing site, it is essential to show a specific course of action for achieving the abolition of nuclear weapons. Procrastination can no longer be tolerated. I hereby appeal to the government of Japan, the only nation to have suffered wartime atomic bombings, uphold the ethos of peace in the constitution and the three nonuclear principles. Sign and ratify the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons as soon as possible. shift to a security policy that doesn’t rely on nuclear deterrence like for example the northeast Asia nuclear weapon free zone show leadership with their average age now 86 there is not a lot of time left for the hibaka and demand more aid for them and relief measures for those who were exposed to the atomic bombings but have not yet been officially recognized as soon as possible. To those who lost their lives to the atomic bomb and to all of the victims of war, I offer my deepest condolences, marking 80 years since the atomic bombing. Nagasaki resolved to continue sharing both in Japan and overseas the memories of the bombing, a common heritage to all humanity that should be passed down. I hereby declare that in order to make Nagasaki the last atomic bombing site now and forever, we will go hand in hand with global citizens and devote our utmost efforts towards the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of everlasting world peace. Suzuki, mayor of Nagasaki. [Music] [Applause] [Music] That was this year’s peace declaration delivered by Nagasaki Mayor Suzuki Shiro. Mayor Suzuki spoke about Nihon Hidango, winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. He stressed the importance of acting as global citizens transcending differences of race and nationality. Next, representing the atomic bomb survivors, Nishio Hiroshi will deliver the pledge for peace. After the war, he joined Nihon Hidango. He’s been recounting his personal experiences and taking part in other activities. This is Nishoka Hiroshi representing the Hibbach. On August 9th, 1945, 3.3 kilometers from the hypo center inside the school building of Nagasaki Junior High School. I was exposed to the atomic bomb. I was 13 years old. Two large enemy planes Moving west over Shimabara Peninsula, relaying a broadcast from the Western District Army, a student was yelling out to the teacher’s office. Within a few minutes, I began to hear the roar of the plane’s engines. And then suddenly, the sound grew larger. The next instant, my body was bathed in a tremendous flash of light. Thinking our school’s tennis court had been bombed, just as I had been taught since elementary school, I covered my eyes and ears, lying flat on the ground. At the moment of the bombing in an ocean of orange yellow light, it was as though for an instant my whole body was soaking in it. Then the atomic bomb’s tremendous blast shattered the glass windows and I covered my head and dived into a corner of the room. My classmates began to fall on top of me. Their weight making it impossible for me to breathe. However, being covered by them saved me from injury. They shielded me from the glass shards, sharp as knives that pierced their bodies and left them covered in blood. Looking outside, although the surrounding homes were damaged or destroyed, there was no fire or even smoke. Instead, rising over the Urakami district, I saw a huge pillar of fire. I wondered how what seemed to be a single bomb could have damaged such a wide area. After that, I hid in the air raid shelter at school for perhaps 2 hours. Thinking at that point, it must be safe to leave. I exited the shelter to go back home. The street was filled with people fleeting in my direction for safety. A man so covered in blood I could not tell if he was burned or cut. A mother walking, carrying a baby, flacc bleeding. A person whose arm looked like it was nearly cut off, hanging. These were the people who walked in crowds down from Nakagawa towards Jaya. A gray cloud covered the skies over Nagasaki. It was the middle of a summer day, but it felt like a solar eclipse. August 9th passed and the war ended. We were told that what we witnessed was called an atomic bomb afterwards. But the fears from the bombing continued with the after effects. There were some close to the hypo center on the day of the bombing, protected by sturdy walls, left only with light injuries or working in underground factories, able to return home unscathed. However, even these lucky ones would begin to bleed from their gums, lose their hair, and one after another pass away with no medicine or methods to treat them. Although the war had already ended, the atomic bomb brought to us this invisible fear. Last year, Nihon Hidanko, of which I’m a member, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This clearly shows that the world values our world and that we contribute to the establishment of world peace. In addition, this award led to people around the world paying attention to us and our work. That attention is profoundly significant. We must not stop this momentum for peace, but rather accelerate it and build on our network of like-minded friends around the world. These are the goals we are striving for. We must never use nuclear weapons again. If we do, everything will end. Let us all protect this beautiful Earth. Nishoka Hiroshi, representative of the atomic bomb survivors. That was Nishio Hiroshi. He spoke about his experience as a 13-year-old who survived the atomic bombing and the suffering and destruction he saw. He also said he will continue to devote himself to this work to ensure nuclear weapons are never used again. Next, a joint choir from Nagasaki’s Shiroyama and Yamazato elementary schools will perform. 99 students will sing together. Over 1,400 students at Shiroyama and about 1,300 students at Yamazato were killed by the bomb. [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Laughter] [Music] What a good heal. [Music] Whatever come [Music] you could for [Music] I know [Music] she [Music] We need all [Music] my [Music] for me. [Music] Glory. [Music] [Applause] [Music] What might [Music] Oh go [Music] [Applause] Yes, he could. Yes, he th [Applause] [Music] Me [Music] got [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Wow. Wow. [Music] [Applause] Prime Minister Ishibasheru will now speak. Today on the 80th anniversary as we hold the Nasaki peace memorial ceremony, I as prime minister respectfully offer my sincere condolences to the souls of the victims and extend my heartfelt sympathy to those still suffering from the after On this day 80 years ago, the city was by a single atomic bomb instantly reduced to ashes. Not a single tree or blade of grass remained. Compared to Hiroshima, this plutonium type bomb was even more powerful. What is said to be as many as 70,000 people lost their lives and futures, many of them civilians. Even those fu in the devastation narrowly escaped death have for years suffered from health consequences. 80 years later, regarding reducing nuclear arms, the global divide is deepening. It is a severe security environment we are facing. Yet no matter how harsh the situation may be as the only nation to suffer wartime atomic bombing while firmly maintaining the three nonuclear principles. It is Japan’s mission to lead global initiatives for a world free of nuclear war and a world without nuclear weapons. We will make constant efforts step by step. In this respect, that is a heart of the international nuclear disarmament and non-prololiferation framework or nuclear nonprololiferation treaty NPT. Looking toward next year’s NPT review conference, Japan will under the Hiroshima action plan call on nuclear nations and nuclear-free countries to work together. We will show the spirit of dialogue and cooperation to its fullest and push toward realistic and practical efforts. Conveying the reality of what it’s like to fall victim to an atomic bomb is the starting point of all efforts toward nuclear disarmament and extremely significant. We have been calling on world leaders and young future leaders to visit Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Many have last year after years of efforts to abolish nuclear weapons and foster understanding of the reality of becoming an atomic bomb victim was awarded the honorable Nobel Peace Prize. Truly significant and I express my heartfelt respect. Since becoming prime minister, I have visited Yoto Island where many lost their lives during the war, the Himei Peace Museum in Okinawa and Hiroshima city which suffered an atomic bombing and today I have come to Nagasaki 80 years ago in this country. What really happened? The reality and horrors of war and the severity of the damage caused by atomic bombs should never be allowed to fade away. They must be handed down as a collective memory. True understanding of that reality. What it’s like to fall victim to an atomic bomb must be fostered across generations and nations. That is my result. To the survivors who are advancing in age, we will continue to support their health, medical care, welfare, and other comprehensive relief measures. Screenings to diagnose atomic bomb sicknesses will be conducted as swiftly as possible so we may inform them of the results right away. To those affected by the atomic bomb, as of last December, we started offering medical fee aid for a wide range of common diseases equivalent to aid offered to hibaksha. We will steadily carry this out. A short while ago, after 80 years, the pair of angel bells rang like they used to, along with the Nagasaki bell that stands in the peace park. I hope here becomes the world’s last place to be scorched by the atomic bomb. After suffering through bombing at the Nagasaki Medical College, the late Dr. Nalai Takashi left these words. The calamities that struck Nagasaki and Hiroshima must never be repeated. The right hand points above towards the atomic bomb. The left motion sideways, offering a prayer for peace. The gently closed eyes mourn the bomb’s victims. Standing before this peace, I pledge once again. We will realize a world without nuclear war and a world free of nuclear weapons to bring about everlasting peace. We will continue to do our utmost. In closing, I pray for the repose of the souls of the victims of the atomic bombs and for the inner peace of the berieved families. the survivors as well as today’s attendees and the people minister Ishiba said Japan will call on all countries including nuclear powers to work together and make realistic and practical efforts. before next year’s NPT review conference. Next, we’ll hear a message from UN Secretary General Antonio Guteras. It will be read by the UN under secretary general and high representative for disarmament affairs Nakamitsu Izimi. She is the first Japanese woman to serve in that role. I am pleased to read the message of the secretary general in Japanese on his behalf. On this solemn day, we mark 80 years since Nagasaki was devastated by an atomic bomb. We remember the tens of thousands who perished in an instant and we grieve with those who lost loved ones. We also honor the survivors, the hibakia. While their numbers grow smaller each year, their courage and testimony have become an eternal moral compass for our world. one that will forever point the way to peace. And we pay tribute to the people of Nagasaki and its unimaginable destruction. They showed incredible strength and resilience, rebuilding a city of peace, culture, and global connection. Nagasaki is a beacon of hope for our world. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. Born from the ashes of a global conflict with a mission to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. It is no coincidence that nuclear disarmament was the subject of the very first general assembly resolution. Eight decades later, it remains our highest disarmament priority. Yet today, the shadow of nuclear weapons looms once again. They have returned to the center of national security strategies and are being brandished as tools of coercion. Meanwhile, military spending has reached record highs while investments in peace and sustainable development falter. Yet, there are hopeful signs that the world is waking up to the need to reverse course. Last year, last year, the Japanese organization Nikon Hidango, which represents the survivors of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombings, was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its tireless work in raising awareness about this critical issue. And in the pact for the future adopted last year, countries recommitted to a world free of nuclear weapons. Peace and security cannot be achieved through an arms race. We must recommmit to the proven duels of disarmament, dialogue, diplomacy, confidence building, transparency, and arms control and reduction. Countries must move from words to action by strengthening the global disarmament regime with the treaty on non-prololiferation of nuclear weapons at the center complemented by the momentum created by the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons. Let us honor the memory of the victims of Nagasaki. Not only with remembrance but with resolve. Remembering the catastrophic past must move us to protect and build a peaceful today and tomorrow. Let us work together urgently for a world free of nuclear weapons. Antonio Gutes, United Nations Secretary General’s message expressed concern over how nuclear weapons are being brandished as tools of coercion. It also said every country must work to strengthen global disarmament. You’ve been watching the peace ceremony underway in Nagasaki. Now, our Yamaguchi Hiroaki joins us once again near the city’s Urakami Cathedral. So, Hiaki, earlier you told us about its new bell. What was the reaction like when it actually rang out? It was a very powerful moment. We’re now in the park where people had gathered. They were completely silent as these bells, including the new one, which was just installed this year, rang out at the exact moment the bomb fell. It was solemn, but also hopeful. Take a listen. [Music] [Laughter] [Music] I think you know our hearts and your heart must be I’m now joined by one of the people who played a central role in making this happen, Professor James Nolan Jr., thank you very much for staying with us. So, Professor, what was on your mind when you heard the new bell ring today? Well, back in um May of 2023 when um Moy Chisan first invited me and invited us to um restore the bell in the left tower, um one of the things he said is that um he would love to hear the sound of the bell in his lifetime. And uh he even remembers his father talking to him about the the resonance and the harmony of the two bells ringing together. Um, and so I think I think the thing that I’m most happy about is the joy that it gives Morusan. And and it’s my hope that the restoration of this bill and the sound of this bell that’s been absent for 80 years uh will bring joy not only to Merchan but to the other Arakami uh cathedral parishioners and to the broader Nagasaki community um more generally. For me, hearing the bells sound today, it’s almost like traveling back in time to uh before 1945. As someone who’s studied Nagasaki’s history, how is this significant to understanding the city’s past? Yeah. So the the history of Nagasaki really is a history of of suffering and persecution um and endurance and perseverance and hope and um and so uh I I think about this bell and what it represents um when we made the bell, it includes on it um some of the Latin from the original bell and that Latin makes reference to uh the the Japanese martyrs who died for their faith and um and and now I think about the bell ringing And it’s um it’s giving voice to those martyrs. And when I think about those martyrs, I think not only of the um the martyrs from before World War II, but the martyrs who died in the atomic uh bomb as well that it gives voice to them. Yeah. One last question if I may. Um, so this project has attracted a lot of attention all around the world and now that it’s been restored, how do you think this bell will uh continue to be a symbol of peace? Yeah. Well, it has gotten a lot of attention. I mean, there have been stories about the bell in Germany and France and Australia and England as well as of course in the United States and Japan. Um, and so it really is uh my hope that this bell will be a symbol of unity and solidarity and that it will bear the fruit of fostering peace and hope and reconciliation and forgiveness and healing. All right, Professor James Nolan Jr. at Williams College, thank you very much for speaking us today. Yeah, thank you. Now Vicki before I hand it back to you I just wanted to say a few things. Um I actually started my career at NHare he here in Nagasaki about 15 years ago and I remember even back then there was a sense of urgency around uh passing on the voices of the hibaka and coming back here 15 years later. I still feel that sense of urgency but at the same time um I’m heartened by the fact that um there’s a lot of interest here as well. Uh I was at the uh Nagasaki’s Atomic Bomb Museum and there were so many people including uh people from overseas. That gives me hope. As well as projects to preserve the past like the bell at the cathedral. 80 years on what happened here still resonates. That’s all for me. It’s back to you, Miki. All right. a historic moment at a historic church. Thank you Hiroi and also thank you Professor Nolan for your powerful message. Collaborations like that offer positive signs amid a turbulent time in the world. Some young people in Japan are inspiring the same thing. These Nagasaki High School students stand on the streets regularly to gather signatures calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons. They are part of a group known as the peace messengers. Last month, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee visited Nagasaki and met with young peace activists. He called them the future and hope. And yes, they are the hope for the future. And it underlines that remembering what happened 80 years ago is not just about the past. It’s about preventing another tragedy from happening again. People in Nagasaki will be reflecting on the tragedy and praying for peace throughout the day, sending the message that the atomic bombing that devastated their city should forever be the world’s last. Thank you for joining us. [Music]
This annual ceremony for world peace commemorates the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki. At 11:02, the moment the bomb was detonated 80 years ago, people offer a silent prayer. #japan #nagasaki #ww2 #atomicbomb #usa #peace
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