Japan Emperor Naruhito Family Honors Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Victims 80 Years

Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter Princess Aiko visited Nagasaki to pay respects to the victims of the atomic bombing on the 80th anniversary of the attack that killed more than 70,000 people. This visit marked Naruhito's first to Nagasaki since ascending the throne in 2019 and Princess Aiko's first ever trip to the city. The family bowed and laid flowers at the cenotaph in Nagasaki Peace Park and planned to visit the Atomic Bomb Museum and meet survivors, many of whom expressed frustration over the ongoing nuclear threat. The visit is part of a broader effort by Naruhito to remember and atone for the tragedies of World War II, including prior visits this year to Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Hiroshima. The imperial family also attended the National Cultural Festival in Nagasaki and met with nursing home residents who survived the bombing. Their actions reflect a commitment to keeping the memory of war victims alive for future generations and promoting peace.