Fact Check: Nagasaki invites all countries to A-bomb ceremony after three years of exclusion.

Fact Check: Nagasaki Invites All Countries to A-Bomb Ceremony After Three Years of Exclusion

What We Know

The mayor of Nagasaki, Shiro Suzuki, announced that the city will extend invitations to representatives from "all countries" for the upcoming peace memorial marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing on August 9, 2025. This marks a significant change from previous years, where certain nations, including Russia, Belarus, and Israel, were excluded from the ceremony. In 2024, Israel was not invited due to concerns over potential protests related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which drew criticism from several countries, including the United States and members of the G7 (Asahi Shimbun, 2025; AP News, 2025).

The invitation will be sent to 157 countries and regions that have diplomatic missions in Japan, emphasizing a desire to gather global representatives to witness the consequences of nuclear weapons and promote peace (AP News, 2025; Asahi Shimbun, 2025). Mayor Suzuki stated that this decision reflects a commitment to the ceremony's fundamental purpose: mourning the victims of the atomic bomb and advocating for lasting world peace (AP News, 2025).

Analysis

The claim that Nagasaki is inviting all countries to the A-bomb ceremony after three years of exclusion is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press and Asahi Shimbun both report on the mayor's announcement, confirming that representatives from previously excluded nations will be invited this year. The change in policy appears to be a response to international criticism regarding last year's exclusions, particularly concerning Israel, which led to boycotts from several ambassadors (Reuters, 2024; Le Monde, 2024).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The AP and Asahi Shimbun have a history of covering international events and local news in Japan, providing a balanced perspective on the situation. The mayor's motivations, as articulated in the announcements, suggest a genuine effort to foster dialogue and understanding across national borders, especially in light of increasing global tensions (AP News, 2025; Asahi Shimbun, 2025).

However, it is essential to note that the context of these invitations is influenced by political dynamics, particularly Japan's reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella and its complex relationships with the nations involved (AP News, 2025). This backdrop may affect the sincerity of the invitation, as it is intertwined with broader geopolitical considerations.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that Nagasaki is inviting all countries to the A-bomb ceremony after three years of exclusion is accurate. The decision to invite representatives from previously excluded nations, including Russia, Belarus, and Israel, reflects a shift in policy aimed at promoting peace and understanding in a divided world. The mayor's statements and the coverage by credible news sources corroborate this claim, confirming that the city is indeed returning to its original intent for the memorial ceremony.

Fact Check: Nagasaki invites all countries to A-bomb ceremony after three years of exclusion.