On August 6, 2025, Hiroshima marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing with a strong call to action. The city urged young people to confront the nuclear weapons threat and to push for a world free of these devastating arms. During the memorial ceremony at the Peace Memorial Park, leaders stressed the urgent need for global cooperation amid rising tensions worldwide.
Mayor Kazumi Matsui opened the ceremony with a Peace Declaration emphasizing the responsibility of the youth. He warned that misguided policies around military spending and national security could lead to severe humanitarian consequences. Therefore, Matsui encouraged young leaders to unite civil society and work toward consensus on nuclear disarmament.
At exactly 8:15 a.m., attendees observed a moment of silence, marking the time when the uranium bomb exploded over Hiroshima. The bomb killed an estimated 140,000 people by the end of 1945. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba highlighted Japan’s unique role as the only country to suffer atomic attacks in war. He urged the international community to continue efforts toward eliminating nuclear weapons, especially amid global discord.
This year’s ceremony drew a record 120 nations and regions. Unlike previous years, Hiroshima did not send invitations but rather notified countries about the event. This change followed last year’s controversy over inviting nations involved in ongoing conflicts. Around 55,000 people attended the event near the bomb’s hypocenter, reinforcing the city’s commitment to peace.
The recent Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, Nihon Hidankyo, highlighted survivor testimonies. However, the number of living survivors is decreasing rapidly. Their average age now exceeds 86, raising concerns about preserving their firsthand accounts.
Amid escalating global instability, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the nuclear weapons threat grows. Mayor Matsui criticized policies that justify nuclear arms as essential for defense. He urged world leaders to visit Hiroshima to witness the bombing’s consequences firsthand and to seek dialogue instead of military buildup.
While Japan supports nuclear disarmament, it has yet to join the U.N. nuclear ban treaty. The government balances this with its reliance on the U.S. nuclear deterrent. Still, Ishiba mentioned exploring cooperation between nuclear and non-nuclear states to reduce risks without formally endorsing the treaty.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the rising nuclear weapons threat. He acknowledged the resilience of Hiroshima and the wisdom of survivors as sources of hope. The message was clear: global peace depends on confronting and overcoming the nuclear weapons threat.
