NAGASAKI, Japan — The city of Nagasaki observed the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing on Saturday, a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands. Survivors gathered to share their stories, hoping their experiences will help ensure that Nagasaki remains the last place on Earth to suffer a nuclear attack.

The bombing occurred on August 9, 1945, just three days after the Hiroshima bombing, which killed approximately 140,000 people. By the end of 1945, the death toll in Nagasaki had reached around 70,000. Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945, marking the end of World War II and a period of aggression across Asia.

Approximately 2,600 people attended a memorial event at Nagasaki Peace Park, including representatives from over 90 countries. At 11:02 a.m., the exact moment the plutonium bomb detonated, participants observed a moment of silence, accompanied by the ringing of a bell. Mayor Shiro Suzuki and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba were among the speakers at the event.

Suzuki, whose parents survived the bombing, emphasized the importance of remembering the past. "The existential crisis of humanity has become imminent to each and every one of us living on Earth," he said. He called for global cooperation to abolish nuclear weapons and achieve lasting peace.

Survivors and their families gathered in rainy weather at Peace Park and nearby Hypocenter Park, located at the bomb's detonation site. "I simply seek a world without war," said 85-year-old survivor Koichi Kawano, who laid flowers at the hypocenter monument.

Many attendees also prayed at local churches, including Urakami Cathedral, which was destroyed in the bombing. The cathedral's twin bells rang together again after one bell was restored by volunteers.

Despite their suffering from radiation-related illnesses and discrimination, survivors remain committed to advocating for the abolition of nuclear weapons. However, they express concern about the increasing global nuclear threat.

Aging survivors are now looking to younger generations to continue their mission. "There are only two things I long for: the abolition of nuclear weapons and prohibition of war," said 83-year-old survivor Fumi Takeshita. She visits schools to share her experiences, urging students to consider their role in preventing future conflicts.

The number of atomic bomb survivors has dwindled to about 99,130, with an average age exceeding 86. Many survivors worry that fading memories will diminish the impact of their stories. Teruko Yokoyama, 83, a member of the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Survivors Council, is documenting the lives of survivors, as she feels a growing urgency to preserve their narratives.

Yokoyama's organization is digitizing survivor stories for social media platforms, hoping to engage younger audiences. "There are younger people who are beginning to take action," she said.

The memorial event also highlighted frustrations with the Japanese government's stance on nuclear weapons. Survivors criticized Japan's refusal to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, citing the need for U.S. nuclear deterrence as an American ally.

In his speech, Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated Japan's commitment to a nuclear-free world and pledged to foster dialogue between nuclear and non-nuclear states. He did not mention the nuclear weapons ban treaty.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, in a message read at the ceremony, called for action to strengthen global disarmament efforts.

Nagasaki invited representatives from all nations to the ceremony, but China notably declined to attend without explanation. Last year's ceremony faced controversy due to the absence of the U.S. ambassador and other Western diplomats.