Nagasaki, August 9, 1945: The Atomic Bombing That Shook the World

On August 9, 1945, the Japanese city of Nagasaki was devastated by the second atomic bomb ever used in warfare. Dropped just three days after the bombing of Hiroshima, the plutonium-based "Fat Man" bomb instantly killed tens of thousands and left a legacy of suffering, resilience, and global reckoning. As the world marks the 80th anniversary of this event, the story of Nagasaki remains a powerful reminder of the human cost of nuclear warfare and the enduring call for peace.

The Mission and the Bomb

The bombing of Nagasaki was not originally the primary target. The U.S. military had planned to strike Kokura, a city with significant military infrastructure. However, heavy cloud cover and smoke from previous bombings obscured visibility, forcing the crew of the B-29 bomber Bockscar to divert to their secondary target: Nagasaki.

At 11:02 a.m., the "Fat Man" bomb detonated 1,650 feet above the city with a force of approximately 21 kilotons of TNT. The blast obliterated everything within a mile of ground zero, including the Urakami Cathedral, one of the largest Christian churches in Asia. The hilly terrain of Nagasaki somewhat confined the destruction, but the human toll was staggering.

• Immediate deaths: Estimated at 27,000

• Total deaths by end of 1945: Approximately 70,000

• Long-term casualties: Thousands more died in subsequent years from radiation-related illnesses

Survivors: The Hibakusha

The survivors of the atomic bombings are known in Japan as hibakusha. Their stories are marked by physical pain, emotional trauma, and social stigma. Many suffered severe burns, radiation sickness, and lifelong health complications. Others faced discrimination, particularly women, who were often deemed unsuitable for marriage due to fears of genetic damage.

One of the most iconic hibakusha was Sumiteru Taniguchi, a 16-year-old postal worker at the time of the bombing. Thrown from his bicycle by the blast, Taniguchi suffered horrific burns and spent nearly two years lying on his stomach during treatment. His scars became a symbol of the bomb's brutality, and he spent decades advocating for nuclear disarmament until his death in 2017.

Today, fewer than 100,000 hibakusha remain, with an average age exceeding 86. Survivors like Fumi Takeshita, 83, continue to share their stories with younger generations, urging them to carry forward the message of peace:

"There are only two things I long for: the abolition of nuclear weapons and prohibition of war," Takeshita said during a recent school visit.

Commemoration and Reflection

On August 9, 2025, Nagasaki marked the 80th anniversary of the bombing with a solemn ceremony at Peace Park. At exactly 11:02 a.m., a bell rang and thousands bowed their heads in silence. Doves were released as symbols of peace, and survivors, families, and dignitaries from over 90 countries gathered to honor the victims.

Mayor Shiro Suzuki, whose parents survived the bombing, delivered a poignant address:

"The existential crisis of humanity has become imminent to each and every one of us living on Earth," he said. "In order to make Nagasaki the last atomic bombing site now and forever, we will go hand-in-hand with global citizens and devote our utmost efforts toward the abolition of nuclear weapons".

Global Legacy and Ethical Debate

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain the only instances of nuclear weapons used in war. While some argue they were necessary to end World War II and avoid a costly invasion of Japan, others view them as morally indefensible acts of mass destruction.

The bombings ushered in the nuclear age, reshaping military strategy and international relations. They also sparked decades of activism, scientific research, and policy debates about disarmament, deterrence, and the ethics of warfare.