Nations and territories from around the globe will gather for the Nagasaki Peace Ceremony, with a total of 107 countries and regions participating.
Nagasaki, Japan - After a series of discussions and lobbying efforts, Taiwan will officially participate in the August 9 peace memorial ceremony in Nagasaki, marking a significant milestone in the event's history. Initially, Taiwan was not invited due to its unique international status and lack of formal diplomatic relations with Japan.
The city of Nagasaki typically invites only nations and regions that have diplomatic missions in Japan or representative offices at the United Nations. However, this year, Nagasaki expanded its approach to include "all nations and regions that maintain diplomatic missions in Japan or possess representative offices at the United Nations." This shift in policy allowed for Taiwan's inclusion.
Mayor Shiro Suzuki made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that Nagasaki's wishes have gotten across. The decision to accept Taiwan's request came after the city sent invitations and notices to 107 countries and regions, including the European Union, in early June. Taiwan, despite not being initially invited or notified, expressed its desire to attend the ceremony.
The Aug. 9 peace memorial ceremony commemorates the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945. This year, the event is expected to be attended by people from various countries and regions, with the number set to exceed the record high of 100, set last year. Preparations are being made to share the hope for lasting world peace and sympathy for the victims of the atomic bombing with people from around the world.
It is important to note that Taiwan's attendance does not change the diplomatic status between Japan and Taiwan. The decision to include Taiwan in the peace memorial ceremony is a symbolic gesture, reflecting Nagasaki's expanded approach to foster greater inclusivity and understanding.
References: [1] Japan Today. (2025, July 1). Taiwan to attend Nagasaki's atomic bombing memorial for the first time. Retrieved from https://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/taiwan-to-attend-nagasakis-atomic-bombing-memorial-for-the-first-time
[2] Kyodo News. (2025, July 2). Nagasaki to invite Taiwan to atomic bombing memorial ceremony. Retrieved from https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/07/8e2629c6c55d-nagasaki-to-invite-taiwan-to-atomic-bombing-memorial-ceremony.html
[3] Reuters. (2025, July 6). Taiwan to attend Nagasaki's atomic bombing memorial for the first time. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-attend-nagasakis-atomic-bombing-memorial-first-time-2025-07-06/
- In light of the expanded approach taken by Nagasaki, Taiwan will share in the August 9 peace memorial ceremony, a significant general-news event marking an historical first for the city.
- The symbolic gesture of Taiwan's inclusion in the annual peace memorial ceremony serves as a politically significant moment, emphasizing the city's resolve for fostering greater inclusivity and understanding among nations and regions.
