Nagasaki A-bomb Anniversary Held Without U.S. Ambassadors

Nagasaki commemorated the 79th anniversary of its atomic bombing during World War II with a ceremony that was notably marked by the absence of the American ambassador and other Western diplomats. This diplomatic snub stemmed from the city's decision not to invite Israel to the event, which led to a significant backlash from several nations. Mayor Shiro Suzuki, addressing attendees at Nagasaki Peace Park, emphasized the urgent need for nuclear disarmament, stating that the existence of nuclear weapons poses an escalating threat to humanity. The ceremony, attended by over 2,000 people from around 100 countries, included remarks from Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who reiterated Japan's commitment to a nuclear-free world. However, the absence of ambassadors from the U.S. and five other G7 nations, along with representatives from the European Union, highlighted the diplomatic tensions surrounding the event. These nations sent lower-ranking officials in protest of the exclusion of Israel, arguing that equating Israel with countries like Russia and Belarus was misleading. Israeli officials expressed their disappointment over the exclusion, with Ambassador Mike Emanuel stating that attending would imply a moral equivalency between Israel, a victim of invasion, and Russia, an aggressor. He criticized the decision as politically motivated rather than security-based. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen thanked countries that supported Israel's inclusion, underscoring the ongoing geopolitical complexities surrounding the commemoration. The anniversary comes at a time when the U.S. and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to extended nuclear deterrence amid rising regional tensions, marking a shift in Japan's previous hesitance to discuss its nuclear protection openly.