Nagasaki bomb memorial

The 79th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki was marked by a memorial service attended by around 3,100 survivors and family members, alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and representatives from a record 100 countries. However, the ceremony was overshadowed by controversy as Israel's ambassador was not invited due to security concerns linked to ongoing conflicts in Gaza, leading to a boycott by ambassadors from Western nations, including the U.S. and U.K. They expressed that excluding Israel while inviting nations with severe human rights issues was misleading. Mayor Shiro Suzuki defended the decision, stating it was to maintain a solemn atmosphere for the commemoration. Kishida emphasized Japan's commitment to advancing nuclear disarmament, reflecting on the event's significance in promoting peace. Critics argue that the exclusion of Israel sends a politically charged message that may undermine global unity against terrorism.