Introduction: Hiroshima’s 80th Anniversary—A Day of Reflection and Resolve
On August 6, 2025, the city of Hiroshima marked 80 years since the atomic bomb fell, a somber milestone known as “Hiroshima Day” or “Atomic Bomb Day.” At the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed a global audience during the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony, delivering a speech that blended remembrance with a powerful call for a nuclear-free world. This day commemorates the lives lost and the enduring scars left by the 1945 bombing, while reaffirming Japan’s unique role in advocating for peace.
For those unfamiliar with this event, the Hiroshima bombing was a pivotal moment in history, one that reshaped the world’s understanding of war and weaponry. This blog post presents a full English translation of Ishiba’s speech, while weaving in deeper insights into its historical backdrop, Japan’s leadership in nuclear disarmament, and the ongoing global challenges to achieving peace. Designed for a foreign audience, this blog aims to illuminate why Hiroshima’s legacy matters today and how it inspires hope for a safer future.
Prime Minister Ishiba’s Full Speech: Japan’s Mission as a War-Scarred Nation to Lead a Nuclear-Free World
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Speech: Full Translation
“Eighty years ago today, a single atomic bomb detonated, claiming what is estimated to be over a hundred thousand precious lives. Even those who survived faced days of indescribable hardship that defy words.
As the Prime Minister of Japan, I stand here to offer my deepest condolences to the souls of those lost to the atomic bombing. I also extend my heartfelt sympathy to those who still endure the lingering effects of that tragic day.
Two years ago, in September, I visited the renovated Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum for the first time. I confronted the stark reality of what unfolded beneath the mushroom cloud 80 years ago. A city reduced to ashes and ruins. Innocent people charred beyond recognition. A stone marked by the shadow of someone full of life moments before, incinerated by 4,000-degree heat. Most victims were ordinary citizens—men, women, and children whose dreams and bright futures were snatched away in an instant. I was left speechless by the cruelty of it all.
The tragedies inflicted upon Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated. As the only nation to suffer nuclear attacks in wartime, Japan has a solemn duty to lead the international community toward a world without nuclear weapons, steadfastly upholding our three non-nuclear principles: not possessing, not producing, and not permitting nuclear weapons on our soil.
The global divide over nuclear disarmament has widened, and the security environment grows increasingly tense. Yet, it is precisely because of these challenges that we must intensify our efforts. Under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)—the bedrock of international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation—Japan is committed to working tirelessly for a world free of nuclear war and nuclear weapons.
As we approach next year’s NPT Review Conference, I will continue to urge all nations to embrace dialogue and cooperation. Through initiatives like the Hiroshima Action Plan, we aim to identify concrete steps that nuclear and non-nuclear states can take together to advance this cause.
A precise understanding of the realities of nuclear devastation is the foundation for progress toward a nuclear-free world. For decades, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations has led efforts to abolish nuclear weapons and raise awareness of the bombings’ true toll. Their work, honored with last year’s Nobel Peace Prize, deserves our deepest respect.
Today, the average age of atomic bomb survivors—known as hibakusha—exceeds 86, and most Japanese have no direct memory of the war. Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, I renewed my resolve to ensure that these painful experiences and memories never fade, passing this legacy of peace to future generations.
The Japanese government has actively invited world leaders and youth to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Last year, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum welcomed over two million visitors for the first time, with more than 30% from abroad. Sharing the truth of the bombings is not just Japan’s duty—it’s a global responsibility.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Act on Relief for Atomic Bomb Survivors. As survivors age, we remain dedicated to supporting them with expedited reviews for radiation-related illness recognition, alongside comprehensive healthcare, medical, and welfare services.
In closing, here in Hiroshima, I reaffirm my commitment to strive for a world without nuclear war or weapons, and to pursue lasting peace. May the souls of the atomic bomb victims rest in peace, and may their families, the survivors, and all gathered here find comfort and strength.
I recall a verse by poet Shinoe Shoda, etched on the Memorial Monument for the A-Bomb Victims of National School Teachers and Children: “The large bones must be those of the teacher, and gathered around are the small skulls of the children.” With deep emotion, I reflect on these words as I offer this tribute.”
August 6, 2025
Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan
Historical Context: The Hiroshima Bombing and Its Lasting Echoes
What Happened on August 6, 1945?
To grasp the depth of Ishiba’s speech, we must revisit the events of August 6, 1945. At 8:15 AM, the U.S. dropped “Little Boy,” the first atomic bomb used in warfare, on Hiroshima. The blast and its aftermath killed approximately 140,000 people by year’s end—many instantly, others from burns, injuries, or radiation sickness. Three days later, Nagasaki suffered a similar fate with the “Fat Man” bomb, hastening Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II.
These bombings introduced the world to nuclear warfare’s devastating power. Beyond the immediate destruction, survivors (hibakusha) faced long-term health issues like leukemia and cancer, compounded by societal discrimination. Hiroshima became a symbol of both human suffering and resilience, shaping global discourse on war and peace.
Japan’s Post-War Transformation
After the war, Japan rebuilt itself under a pacifist constitution, notably Article 9, which renounces war and offensive military capabilities. This commitment to peace, coupled with its experience as the sole victim of nuclear attacks, positioned Japan as a moral leader in the disarmament movement. The three non-nuclear principles, formalized in the 1960s, reflect this ethos, though Japan’s reliance on U.S. nuclear deterrence complicates its stance—a tension Ishiba subtly acknowledges.
Japan’s Role in Nuclear Disarmament: A Global Perspective
Leading by Example
Japan’s advocacy for a nuclear-free world is rooted in its history. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, held annually, amplifies this message, drawing international attention to the human cost of nuclear weapons. Ishiba’s speech highlights initiatives like the Hiroshima Action Plan, launched in 2022, which seeks practical disarmament measures—such as transparency in nuclear arsenals and risk reduction—bridging nuclear and non-nuclear states.
The Global Nuclear Challenge
Today, the world faces a precarious nuclear landscape. Powers like the U.S., Russia, and China are modernizing their stockpiles, while North Korea’s tests and Iran’s ambitions fuel proliferation fears. The lapse of treaties like the INF and uncertainties around New START signal a retreat from arms control. Yet, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), effective since 2021, offers hope—though Japan, aligned with the U.S., has not joined, favoring the NPT’s broader framework.
Ishiba’s call for “dialogue and cooperation” reflects Japan’s pragmatic approach, navigating these complexities to foster incremental progress toward disarmament.
Unique Insights: Memory, Education, and Hope
The Power of the Hibakusha Legacy
The hibakusha are central to Hiroshima’s story. Their lived experiences—shared through groups like Nihon Hidankyo, Nobel laureates in 2024—humanize the abstract threat of nuclear war. As their numbers dwindle, preserving their narratives via digital archives and education is critical. Ishiba’s museum visit underscores this urgency, ensuring their voices endure.
Hiroshima as a Global Classroom
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is more than a repository; it’s a catalyst for change. With over two million visitors in 2024, including a significant foreign contingent, it educates the world about nuclear horrors. Japan’s outreach to youth and leaders amplifies this impact, fostering a shared commitment to peace.
Challenges and Opportunities
Achieving a nuclear-free world is daunting amid geopolitical rivalries. Yet, Japan’s persistence—through diplomacy, survivor testimonies, and initiatives like the Hiroshima Action Plan—offers a blueprint. It’s a reminder that progress, though slow, is possible with collective will.
Conclusion: A Unified Vision for Peace
Prime Minister Ishiba’s speech is a poignant blend of mourning and resolve. Hiroshima’s 80th anniversary is not just a Japanese milestone—it’s a global call to action. As the only nation scarred by nuclear warfare, Japan leads with moral clarity, urging the world to reject these weapons. For foreign readers, this is an invitation to reflect on Hiroshima’s lessons and support efforts for a peaceful, nuclear-free future.
