Nagasaki's restored bell sounds once more, marking 80 years since the city's devastating atomic bombing.
Bells of Nagasaki Ring Again After 80 Years
On August 9, 2025, the bells of Nagasaki's Immaculate Conception Cathedral tolled together for the first time since 1945, marking a significant milestone in the city's history. The twin bells, one original and one newly constructed, chimed in unison during a moving mass attended by around 200-300 people.
The restoration of the bells comes 74,000 deaths after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, following the devastating attack on Hiroshima three days earlier. The cathedral was almost completely destroyed in the bombing, with only one bell surviving. It was not until 1959 that the cathedral was rebuilt on its original site.
The new bell was made possible by funds raised primarily by U.S. churchgoers, who were moved by the perseverance of Nagasaki's Christians, who had been persecuted for over 250 years and suffered heavy casualties during the atomic bombing. One of the key figures in the fundraising effort was American university professor, James Nolan, who raised $125,000 through lectures about Nagasaki and Japanese Christianity.
The new bell was rung at the exact moment the bomb was dropped on Nagasaki in 1945, serving as a poignant reminder of the past and a symbol of hope for the future. Nagasaki resident Atsuko Higuchi expressed her happiness that everyone would remember the city's victims, while the cathedral's chief priest, Kenichi Yamamura, stated that the bell's restoration demonstrated "the greatness of humanity."
Yamamura believes the bell's chimes serve as a message to the world, emphasizing the importance of peace and non-violence. This message resonates with many, as nearly 100 countries are participating in this year's commemorations, including Russia, despite not being invited since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The history of the restoration has been depicted in the novel "Silence" by Shusaku Endo and the film adaptation by Martin Scorsese in 2016. The annual memorial ceremony for the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing in Nagasaki took place on Saturday, with Israel and other countries in attendance, despite diplomatic tensions.
The key points in the history of the restoration include:
- 1945: The atomic bomb destroyed the cathedral; only one bell survived.
- 1959: The cathedral was rebuilt on its original site.
- Post-1959 to 2025: The northern bell tower remained silent due to the missing bell.
- Efforts led by U.S. supporters raised $125,000 for a new bell.
- 2025: The new bell was installed and tolling jointly with the old bell marked the 80th anniversary of the bombing.
The restoration ceremony carries a strong message of healing and reconciliation for survivors and the broader community affected by the devastation. The bells of Nagasaki serve as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience, reminding us of the importance of peace and the power of human compassion.
- The restoration of the bells in Nagasaki's Immaculate Conception Cathedral, which was initiated after the atomic bombing in 1945, is a significant chapter in the history of war-and-conflicts and general-news.
- The new bell, which was made possible by funds raised primarily by U.S. churchgoers, is a testament to politics, as it demonstrates the role of individuals and communities in supporting peace and healing.
- The bells of Nagasaki, now tolling again after 80 years, are a symbol of the resilience and persistence of the people of Nagasaki, which is a pertinent reminder in the realm of business and history, showing that even in the face of adversity, hope can prevail.
