Rahm Emanuel, the US ambassador to Japan, will not attend the annual Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony on Friday (Aug 9) because Israel was not invited, reported the Japan Times on Wednesday.

Israeli Ambassador Gilad Cohen was not invited to the 79th anniversary of the Nagasaki atomic bombing due to security concerns, according to a separate Times report that quoted Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki.

Suzuki said that the decision aims to keep the ceremony peaceful and centred on honouring the victims. However, some critics argue that excluding Israel is a political move that undermines the fight against terrorism and global unity, the report said.

The decision to leave out Cohen from Nagasaki’s atomic bomb commemoration, while including representatives from countries with serious human rights issues, has sparked concerns, according to the Times.

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The report also said&nbsp;that the claim that Japanese police couldn't secure the event "is hard to believe," and the decision to exclude Israel appears unfair.

Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, China, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, were among those invited and are&nbsp;known for significant human rights abuses. Most notably, the media report&nbsp;pointed out, that the Iranian ambassador was included despite Tehran being labelled as a major sponsor of terrorism by the United States and its allies.

Iran’s backing of militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah stands in stark contrast to the peace-promoting purpose of the event, underscoring the "irony of this decision," the article noted.

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According to the Times, Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is directly opposed to the ceremony’s aim to remember and denounce such arms.

The Japan Times reported that Mayor Suzuki’s choice to invite a Palestinian representative but not Israel led to US Ambassador Emanuel skipping the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony on Friday in favour of attending another event in Tokyo.

The US Embassy stated that Emanuel opted out of attending the event because he did not wish to endorse its political matters.

British Ambassador Julia Longbottom will also be absent, explaining that attending might incorrectly equate Israel with Russia. The Israeli ambassador participated in a similar ceremony in Hiroshima earlier this week.

(With inputs from agencies)

Rahm Emanuel, the US ambassador to Japan, will not attend the annual Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony on Friday (Aug 9) because Israel was not invited, reported the Japan Times on Wednesday.

Rahm Emanuel, the US ambassador to Japan, will not attend the annual Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony on Friday (Aug 9) because Israel was not invited, reported the Japan Times on Wednesday. Israeli Ambassador Gilad Cohen was not invited to the 79th anniversary of the Nagasaki atomic bombing due to security concerns, according to a separate Times report that quoted Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki. Suzuki said that the decision aims to keep the ceremony peaceful and centred on honouring the victims. However, some critics argue that excluding Israel is a political move that undermines the fight against terrorism and global unity, the report said. The decision to leave out Cohen from Nagasaki’s atomic bomb commemoration, while including representatives from countries with serious human rights issues, has sparked concerns, according to the Times. Also read: British police brace for anti-Muslim riots and counter protests The report also said that the claim that Japanese police couldn't secure the event "is hard to believe," and the decision to exclude Israel appears unfair. Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, China, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, were among those invited and are known for significant human rights abuses. Most notably, the media report pointed out, that the Iranian ambassador was included despite Tehran being labelled as a major sponsor of terrorism by the United States and its allies. Iran’s backing of militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah stands in stark contrast to the peace-promoting purpose of the event, underscoring the "irony of this decision," the article noted. Also read: Bangladesh crisis: Army refused to implement Hasina’s curfew order before her resignation According to the Times, Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is directly opposed to the ceremony’s aim to remember and denounce such arms. The Japan Times reported that Mayor Suzuki’s choice to invite a Palestinian representative but not Israel led to US Ambassador Emanuel skipping the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony on Friday in favour of attending another event in Tokyo. The US Embassy stated that Emanuel opted out of attending the event because he did not wish to endorse its political matters. British Ambassador Julia Longbottom will also be absent, explaining that attending might incorrectly equate Israel with Russia. The Israeli ambassador participated in a similar ceremony in Hiroshima earlier this week. (With inputs from agencies)

US ambassador to skip Nagasaki atomic bombing memorial over Israel's exclusion and invitation to Iran

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"

Japan marked the 71st anniversary of the US atomic bombing of Nagasaki today as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe underscored the nation&#39;s nuclear non-proliferation stance, while a city official called for other national leaders to follow in the footsteps of United States (US) President Barack Obama who visited Hiroshima earlier this year. 
 
&quot;As the only country to be bombed by atomic bombs during wartime, I will strongly advocate the importance of maintaining and strengthening the stance of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, while maintaining the three non-nuclear principles,&quot; Abe said, as hundreds of visitors at the Nagasaki Peace Park attended the annual peace memorial. 
 
&quot;With a new sense of commitment, I will continue to make the effort to call leaders of nations to visit the atomic bombing sites, and to tell the stories of the reality of the bombings,&quot; said Masanao Maiguma, the head of Nagasaki city municipal assembly. 
 
Obama this year became the first incumbent US president to visit Hiroshima and he urged nuclear powers, including his own, to have the courage to escape the logic of fear and pursue a world without nuclear weapons. 
 
The US dropped the bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, killing thousands of people instantly and about 140,000 by the end of that year. 
 
US forces dropped another atomic bomb on the southern city of Nagasaki on August 9. Japan surrendered six days later. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

US dropped the first bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and three days later another bomb was dropped on the southern city of Nagasaki on August 9

Japan marked the 71st anniversary of the US atomic bombing of Nagasaki today as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe underscored the nation's nuclear non-proliferation stance, while a city official called for other national leaders to follow in the footsteps of United States (US) President Barack Obama who visited Hiroshima earlier this year. "As the only country to be bombed by atomic bombs during wartime, I will strongly advocate the importance of maintaining and strengthening the stance of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, while maintaining the three non-nuclear principles," Abe said, as hundreds of visitors at the Nagasaki Peace Park attended the annual peace memorial. "With a new sense of commitment, I will continue to make the effort to call leaders of nations to visit the atomic bombing sites, and to tell the stories of the reality of the bombings," said Masanao Maiguma, the head of Nagasaki city municipal assembly. Obama this year became the first incumbent US president to visit Hiroshima and he urged nuclear powers, including his own, to have the courage to escape the logic of fear and pursue a world without nuclear weapons. The US dropped the bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, killing thousands of people instantly and about 140,000 by the end of that year. US forces dropped another atomic bomb on the southern city of Nagasaki on August 9. Japan surrendered six days later. (Reuters)

Japan marks 71st anniversary of Nagasaki atomic bombing

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US ambassador to skip Nagasaki atomic bombing memorial over Israel's exclusion and invitation to Iran

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

Japan marks 71st anniversary of Nagasaki atomic bombing