Nagasaki marks 81 years since atomic bomb, as mayor says deterrence increases risk

Nagasaki has marked the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombingPeople observe a minute of silence during a ceremony to mark the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing at the Peace Park in Nagasaki, southern Japan Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026. Speculation has risen about whether Takaichi, who supports nuclear dissuasion, may allow nuclear weapons to be brought into the country, going against the third non-nuclear principle. Nuclear weapons are not a ‘necessary evil’ but an ‘absolute evil,’ and can never coexist with humanity,” Suzuki said. Takaichi supports the first two principles of not possessing and developing nuclear weapons. The prime minister, who attended Sunday's ceremony, reiterated her policy of taking “a realistic and pragmatic approach” toward achieving a world without nuclear weapons.