The mayor of Nagasaki says he maintains his decision not to invite the Israeli ambassador to Japan to Friday’s annual peace ceremony marking the US atomic bombing of the city.
Mayor Suzuki Shiro on Thursday reiterated that this is not a political decision, but is aimed at holding the August 9 ceremony smoothly to mourn the atomic-bomb victims in a calm and solemn atmosphere. He said it was a difficult decision to make.
Suzuki met reporters after media reports revealed that US and European ambassadors to Japan jointly sent a letter of concern to him in July over the city’s decision.
The letter dated July 19 was sent under the names of the ambassadors from the G7 nations, except Japan, and the Tokyo-based representative of the European Union.
Asked by reporters why he had not made the letter public, Suzuki said it was because he was not able to confirm whether the senders wanted him to do so.
Reporters also asked Suzuki what he means by “holding the ceremony smoothly to mourn the atomic-bomb victims in a calm and solemn atmosphere.”
Suzuki said August 9 is the most important day of the year for the city of Nagasaki. He said the average age of the atomic bomb survivors is over 85 and some of them will be attending the ceremony amid the severe heat.
He added, “After comprehensively considering the matter, including the risk that an unexpected situation may arise, I made the decision to refrain from inviting the Israeli ambassador.”
The embassies of the United States, Britain and some other countries have said their ambassadors will not attend Friday’s peace ceremony in Nagasaki over the city’s decision not to invite the Israeli ambassador.
The Nagasaki mayor told reporters this was disappointing, but he hopes they will attend the ceremony from next year onwards.
He said they are important countries for Nagasaki and Japan. He said he wants to use every available opportunity to talk to them and promote a correct understanding of Nagasaki’s true intentions.