Hundreds demonstrate against US-Japan ‘war alliance’ at Hiroshima ceremony
(MENAFN) Hundreds of demonstrators gathered near Hiroshima’s Atomic Bomb Dome on Wednesday to protest against nuclear weapons and what they described as a US-Japan “war alliance.” The protest coincided with the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing and took place during the official commemoration at Peace Memorial Park.
Chanting anti-war slogans, protesters expressed their disapproval of Japan’s expanding military capabilities, increased defense spending, large-scale joint military exercises with the United States, and discussions around “nuclear sharing,” which could allow U.S. nuclear weapons to be stationed in Japan—a non-nuclear state.
Social media posts showed a significant police presence at the scene, with demonstrators holding signs such as “The Japan US alliance is a war alliance” and “Stop nuclear war.” Tensions rose when protesters attempted a sit-in, prompting police to demand they disperse and forcibly remove some participants. At least one protester was reportedly arrested for allegedly assaulting a security officer.
Meanwhile, the official ceremony was attended by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui, who revealed an updated list of 349,246 victims of the atomic bombings. Previous estimates had placed the death toll from the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, including long-term effects, at over 200,000.
Representatives from the U.S., U.K., and over 120 other countries were present. However, reports indicate that none of the speakers directly named the United States as the country responsible for the bombings on August 6 and 9, 1945.
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