August 9 — Japan's History and Today

1941 - The Atlantic Conference

On August 9, 1941, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt began discussions aboard the battleship Prince of Wales in the Atlantic. This meeting focused on strategic cooperation against the fascism of Japan, Germany, and Italy. The event symbolizes the collaboration of allies during World War II and influenced later international security frameworks.

For expatriates studying Japanese, learning about these historic international meetings provides insight into how current diplomatic relations were forged and offers a key to understanding Japan.

1945 - Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki

On August 9, 1945, the United States military dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki. This attack resulted in approximately 74,000 deaths and caused extensive damage. The tragic event became a rallying point for ending war and advocating nuclear disarmament, remaining an international symbol of peace.

Today, foreign visitors to Japan can learn about the importance of nuclear disarmament by visiting peace memorials and understanding past events.

2018 - UN Secretary-General's Attendance at Nagasaki Peace Ceremony

On August 9, 2018, António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, attended the Nagasaki Peace Ceremony for the first time. This participation heightened international awareness for peace and deepened understanding of the significant impact of the bombed location.

For expatriates in Japan, attending the ceremony offers a chance to reaffirm Nagasaki's historical importance and aligns international efforts toward achieving peace, drawing interest from multi-lingual foreign residents.