politics
Nagasaki marks 81st atomic bomb anniversary as mayor says nuclear deterrence only increases risk
TOKYO (AP) — Nagasaki marked on Sunday the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern city, as the mayor called nuclear weapons “absolute evil,” denounced growing support for nuclear deterrence, and called on the Japanese government to adhere to its three postwar non-nuclear principles.
TL;DR
- Nagasaki marked the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing on Sunday.
- Mayor Shiro Suzuki called nuclear weapons "absolute evil" and criticized nuclear deterrence.
- Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government is revising defense policy to bolster offensive capability.
- There is speculation about whether Takaichi may allow nuclear weapons into the country, against the third non-nuclear principle.
- Suzuki urged leaders of nuclear states and those relying on nuclear deterrence to recognize the increased risk of nuclear war.
- Representatives from over 90 countries attended the ceremony.
- Suzuki demanded the Japanese government uphold its war-renouncing Constitution and attend the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons review conference.
- Takaichi supports the first two non-nuclear principles but remains ambiguous about the third, reiterating Japan's current policy.
- Japan has refused to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons due to being under the U.S. nuclear umbrella.
- Survivors are frustrated by the government's support for nuclear deterrence and potential easing of non-nuclear principles.
- The number of survivors has fallen to 91,105, with an average age exceeding 86.