Nagasaki marked the 81st anniversary of the US atomic bombing on Sunday (Aug 9) with a renewed appeal for nuclear disarmament, as Mayor Shiro Suzuki warned that growing reliance on nuclear deterrence was increasing, not reducing, the risk of war. Speaking at the annual memorial ceremony in Nagasaki Peace Park, Suzuki described nuclear weapons as “absolute evil” and urged world leaders to confront the dangers of expanding nuclear arsenals.“The theory of nuclear deterrence is extremely dangerous and fragile. Nuclear weapons are not a ‘necessary evil’ but an ‘absolute evil,’ and can never coexist with humanity,” Suzuki said. “To all leaders of the nuclear states and nations relying on nuclear deterrence, you must face the reality that the more you rely on nuclear deterrence, the more you increase the risk of a nuclear war.”The ceremony was attended by representatives from more than 90 countries, who observed a minute of silence at 11:02 am, the moment the US military dropped the plutonium bomb known as “Fat Man” over the city on August 9, 1945.The attack killed around 70,000 people by the end of that year, three days after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Japan surrendered on August 15, bringing World War II to an end.Suzuki also directed his remarks at the Japanese government, calling on it to uphold the country’s three non-nuclear principles and participate in the upcoming review conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.The anniversary came as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government pushes a stronger defence posture and expands Japan’s military capabilities. Takaichi has supported nuclear deterrence, prompting debate over whether Japan could eventually ease restrictions related to nuclear weapons.Addressing the ceremony, Takaichi said her government would pursue “a realistic and pragmatic approach” toward a world without nuclear weapons. She did not mention the UN treaty banning nuclear weapons, which Japan has not signed because it remains under the protection of the US nuclear umbrella.Survivors of the bombings, known as hibakusha, have increasingly criticised Japan’s reliance on nuclear deterrence. With the number of survivors falling to just over 91,000 and their average age now above 86, many fear their testimony may fade with time.&nbsp;

Nagasaki marked the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing, with Mayor Shiro Suzuki calling nuclear weapons “absolute evil” and warning that reliance on nuclear deterrence increases the risk of war.

Nagasaki marked the 81st anniversary of the US atomic bombing on Sunday (Aug 9) with a renewed appeal for nuclear disarmament, as Mayor Shiro Suzuki warned that growing reliance on nuclear deterrence was increasing, not reducing, the risk of war. Speaking at the annual memorial ceremony in Nagasaki Peace Park, Suzuki described nuclear weapons as “absolute evil” and urged world leaders to confront the dangers of expanding nuclear arsenals. “The theory of nuclear deterrence is extremely dangerous and fragile. Nuclear weapons are not a ‘necessary evil’ but an ‘absolute evil,’ and can never coexist with humanity,” Suzuki said. “To all leaders of the nuclear states and nations relying on nuclear deterrence, you must face the reality that the more you rely on nuclear deterrence, the more you increase the risk of a nuclear war.” The ceremony was attended by representatives from more than 90 countries, who observed a minute of silence at 11:02 am, the moment the US military dropped the plutonium bomb known as “Fat Man” over the city on August 9, 1945. The attack killed around 70,000 people by the end of that year, three days after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Japan surrendered on August 15, bringing World War II to an end. Suzuki also directed his remarks at the Japanese government, calling on it to uphold the country’s three non-nuclear principles and participate in the upcoming review conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The anniversary came as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government pushes a stronger defence posture and expands Japan’s military capabilities. Takaichi has supported nuclear deterrence, prompting debate over whether Japan could eventually ease restrictions related to nuclear weapons. Addressing the ceremony, Takaichi said her government would pursue “a realistic and pragmatic approach” toward a world without nuclear weapons. She did not mention the UN treaty banning nuclear weapons, which Japan has not signed because it remains under the protection of the US nuclear umbrella. Survivors of the bombings, known as hibakusha, have increasingly criticised Japan’s reliance on nuclear deterrence. With the number of survivors falling to just over 91,000 and their average age now above 86, many fear their testimony may fade with time.

Nagasaki marked the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing, with Mayor Shiro Suzuki calling nuclear weapons “absolute evil” and warning that reliance on nuclear deterrence increases the risk of war.

‘Nuclear weapons are absolute evil’: Nagasaki warns world on 81st bombing anniversary

On the fateful day of&nbsp;August&nbsp;9, 1945, the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade faced unfathomable devastation at the hands of the US, thus putting an end to Japan's participation in the Second World War.&nbsp;

Today's anniversary

76 years ago today, the Japanese city of Nagasaki was destroyed by an atomic bomb, and today, its mayor called on the global community to build on the new nuclear ban treaty.

With the rebuilding of Nagasaki post World War II, the city has become a spiritual centre for movements for the ban of nuclear weapons.

The ceremony is the first since an international treaty banning nuclear weapons went into effect last year.

"World leaders must commit to nuclear arms reductions and build trust through dialogue, and civil society must push them in this direction,"&nbsp;Nagasaki&nbsp;mayor Tomihisa Taue said.

<img alt="Doves fly during a memorial service for victims of the US atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki on August 9, 2021, as the city marks the 76th anniversary of the bombing." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="55145c04-63df-4aa5-9d08-155d3ab2fdd9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-09T163231.004.jpg" />

Doves fly during a memorial service for victims of the US atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki on August 9, 2021, as the city marks the 76th anniversary of the bombing.&nbsp;(Source:AFP)

"As the only country that has suffered atomic bombings during the war, it is our unchanging mission to steadily advance the efforts of the&nbsp;international community, step by step, towards realisation of a world free of nuclear weapons," Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at the ceremony.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So, what exactly happened that day?

Just three days earlier the city of Hiroshima had faced destruction, an atomic bomb code-named "Little boy" had brought devastation to the picturesque city resulting in the death of thousands.&nbsp;

On June 9th 1945, the city of Nagasaki faced the same fate, situated&nbsp;some 185 miles southwest of Hiroshima, at 11:02 am,&nbsp;another American bomber dropped its payload over Nagasaki. Between 60,000 and 80,000 people died in the bombing. Codenamed 'Fat Man'; it obliterated more than 30 per cent of Nagasaki.&nbsp;

<img alt="This file photo taken in 1945 next to the Urakami river in Nagasaki shows a wrecked brick wall and a &quot;Mitsubishi&quot; steel factory after a bombing by the US Air Force. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ebc9bed-014e-41b1-b656-d5a9f85741f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-09T163648.829.jpg" />

This file photo taken in 1945 next to the Urakami river in Nagasaki shows a wrecked brick wall and a "Mitsubishi" steel factory after a bombing by the US Air Force.&nbsp;(Source:AFP)

Why did the US resort to atomic bombs?&nbsp;

Japan's surrender was America's immediate objective, followed by ending World War II and avoiding further casualties for the Allies.&nbsp;

It is also believed that the superpower wanted to demonstrate its new technology's incredibly destructive capabilities to the world, and in particular to the Soviet Union.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Why was Nagasaki targeted?

During the early 20th century, Nagasaki developed into a major shipbuilding city, which led the United States to target the city as a target for the atomic bomb dropped on Japan during World War II.

How many people actually died in this "massacre"?&nbsp;

<img alt="This filed photo dated 1945 shows the devastated city of Nagasaki after an atomic bomb was dropped by a US Air Force B-29 on August 9, 1945." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb4d708-d7c9-4f87-86e4-7152c85de918" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-09T163637.586.jpg" />

This filed photo dated 1945 shows the devastated city of Nagasaki after an atomic bomb was dropped by a US Air Force B-29 on August 9, 1945. (Source:AFP)

Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to calculate exact figures, as many records were destroyed by the bomb, and the destruction of the area prevented accurate counts of casualties. Nonetheless, they estimate some 40,000 people died within seconds of the attack, with many more dying from radiation exposure, burns, or injuries within months.

(With inputs from agencies)

On the fateful day of August 9, 1945, the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade faced unfathomable devastation at the hands of the US, thus putting an end to Japan's participation in the Second World War.

On the fateful day of August 9, 1945, the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade faced unfathomable devastation at the hands of the US, thus putting an end to Japan's participation in the Second World War. Today's anniversary 76 years ago today, the Japanese city of Nagasaki was destroyed by an atomic bomb, and today, its mayor called on the global community to build on the new nuclear ban treaty. With the rebuilding of Nagasaki post World War II, the city has become a spiritual centre for movements for the ban of nuclear weapons. The ceremony is the first since an international treaty banning nuclear weapons went into effect last year. "World leaders must commit to nuclear arms reductions and build trust through dialogue, and civil society must push them in this direction," Nagasaki mayor Tomihisa Taue said. Doves fly during a memorial service for victims of the US atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki on August 9, 2021, as the city marks the 76th anniversary of the bombing. (Source:AFP) "As the only country that has suffered atomic bombings during the war, it is our unchanging mission to steadily advance the efforts of the international community, step by step, towards realisation of a world free of nuclear weapons," Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at the ceremony. So, what exactly happened that day? Just three days earlier the city of Hiroshima had faced destruction, an atomic bomb code-named "Little boy" had brought devastation to the picturesque city resulting in the death of thousands. On June 9th 1945, the city of Nagasaki faced the same fate, situated some 185 miles southwest of Hiroshima, at 11:02 am, another American bomber dropped its payload over Nagasaki. Between 60,000 and 80,000 people died in the bombing. Codenamed 'Fat Man'; it obliterated more than 30 per cent of Nagasaki. This file photo taken in 1945 next to the Urakami river in Nagasaki shows a wrecked brick wall and a "Mitsubishi" steel factory after a bombing by the US Air Force. (Source:AFP) Why did the US resort to atomic bombs? Japan's surrender was America's immediate objective, followed by ending World War II and avoiding further casualties for the Allies. It is also believed that the superpower wanted to demonstrate its new technology's incredibly destructive capabilities to the world, and in particular to the Soviet Union. Why was Nagasaki targeted? During the early 20th century, Nagasaki developed into a major shipbuilding city, which led the United States to target the city as a target for the atomic bomb dropped on Japan during World War II. How many people actually died in this "massacre"? This filed photo dated 1945 shows the devastated city of Nagasaki after an atomic bomb was dropped by a US Air Force B-29 on August 9, 1945. (Source:AFP) Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to calculate exact figures, as many records were destroyed by the bomb, and the destruction of the area prevented accurate counts of casualties. Nonetheless, they estimate some 40,000 people died within seconds of the attack, with many more dying from radiation exposure, burns, or injuries within months. (With inputs from agencies)

Explainer: Nagasaki bombing, the history, and significance of "Fat Man"

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‘Nuclear weapons are absolute evil’: Nagasaki warns world on 81st bombing anniversary

Explainer: Nagasaki bombing, the history, and significance of "Fat Man"