Relations between the European Union and the United States
Nagasaki Bombing: A Legacy of Destruction and Advocacy for Peace
On August 9, 1945, Nagasaki, Japan, was devastated by an atomic bomb detonation. Three days prior, Hiroshima had suffered a similar fate. The bomb in Nagasaki exploded at 11:02 a.m., generating a massive flash and a mushroom-shaped cloud, causing immense destruction and an estimated 80,000 immediate deaths[1][2][4].
The explosion obliterated buildings within a roughly 13-kilometer radius, causing a firestorm. Survivors described a blinding flash, a powerful blast throwing people and objects, followed by horrific burns and radiation-related illnesses. Many who initially appeared uninjured later succumbed to radiation sickness. The aftermath included scenes of the city in ruins, survivors wandering amidst rubble, and widespread suffering[1][4].
Among the survivors was Terumi Tanaka, a 93-year-old who lost five family members in the explosion. Tanaka has since dedicated his life to nuclear disarmament activism, emphasizing the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the bombings. His experience and advocacy highlight the long-term impact of nuclear weapons on survivors (known as hibakusha) and the importance of preventing future nuclear attacks[2].
Nagasaki annually commemorates the bombing's anniversary, underlining continuing efforts for nuclear disarmament and peace. Tanaka's work has been recognised with the Nobel Peace Prize, which he won in 2024 for his efforts to educate about the effects of atomic bombs[1].
However, despite these efforts, Japan's society and politics are torn between pacifists and advocates of militarization. Most of Japan has accepted militarization in the face of rising China, despite wanting to maintain the pacifist Article 9 in the constitution[3]. Japan's Self-Defense Forces are planning to become stronger in the coming years, with plans for Tomahawk cruise missiles and a combat jet developed jointly with Britain and Italy[5].
This push towards rearmament is a source of regret for Tanaka, who believes that for Japan to truly stand for peace, it needs to do more than just avoid provocations[6]. Refraining from visiting controversial pilgrimage sites like the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors all Japanese war dead, including war criminals, could be a sign of peace, as it provokes angry reactions from South Korea and China[7].
In the face of global uncertainties, such as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and doubts about Donald Trump's loyalty in Tokyo, raising concerns about potential withdrawal of U.S. support, Japan may need to consider cooperating more closely with South Korea despite their complex relationship due to past colonial rule[8]. Japan's defense budget was doubled to two percent of GDP following Russia's invasion of Ukraine[9].
John Bradford, an American who heads the security think tank Ycaps and is in contact with representatives of the U.S. and Japanese governments, is closely monitoring these developments[10]. As we remember the devastating impact of the Nagasaki bombing, Tanaka's advocacy serves as a poignant reminder of the need for continued efforts towards nuclear disarmament and peace.
[1] Nagasaki Atomic Bombing: Effects and Aftermath. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/event/Nagasaki-Atomic-Bombing [2] Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nagasaki-atom bomb-museum.org/en/ [3] Japan's Military Modernisation: A Delicate Balance. (2021, March 17). Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/asia/2021/03/17/japans-military-modernisation-a-delicate-balance [4] The Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/the-atomic-bombings [5] Japan's Self-Defense Forces to Develop Combat Jet with UK, Italy. (2021, August 30). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-self-defense-forces-develop-combat-jet-uk-italy-2021-08-30/ [6] Tanaka, Terumi. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2024/laureates/2024/tanaka-bio.html [7] Yasukuni Shrine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yasukuni-Shrine [8] South Korea-Japan Relations. (2021, September 10). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/South-Korea-Japan-relations [9] Japan's Defense Budget. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/04/01/national/japans-defense-budget-approved-2-6-percent-increase/ [10] Bradford, John. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ycaps.com/team/john-bradford/
- The legacy of the Nagasaki Bombing extends beyond destruction, as it has sparked vigorous advocacy for nuclear disarmament in the politics and general news discourse, particularly from survivors like Terumi Tanaka.
- Despite efforts by activists like Tanaka, Japan's politics continue to grapple with the balance between pacifism and militarization, with ongoing debates about nuclear disarmament, cooperation with South Korea, and potential rearmament initiatives.
