Taiwan Invited to Hiroshima, Nagasaki Memorials

Taiwan will participate for the first time in both Japan’s Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb memorial ceremonies after initial exclusion due to Japan’s lack of formal diplomatic ties. Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki reversed the city’s decision following Taipei’s disappointment, and both cities have now extended invitations or notifications to Taiwan. This inclusion comes as both cities broaden invitations to all countries and regions with diplomatic missions or UN representation in Japan. Observers note Taiwan’s participation is significant and may prompt a negative reaction from Beijing, influenced by the rank of Taiwan’s delegation. The commemorations mark the 80th anniversary of the 1945 bombings, which remain the only use of nuclear weapons in conflict and resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the invitations and will decide on the delegation once formalized.