Address by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the 2026 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony

Sanae Takaichi made her first speech as Prime Minister of Japan at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony which commemorated the 81st anniversary of the A-bomb attack on Hiroshima.

This is a provisional translation of the full speech. We will replace it with an official translation, if and when it becomes available.

Address by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the 2026 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony

As we mark this morning, 81 years since the atomic bombing, I, as Prime Minister, here in Hiroshima, reverently express my sincere condolences to the souls of the atomic bomb victims.

I also extend my heartfelt sympathy to those still suffering even now from the aftereffects of the atomic bomb.

On the morning 81 years ago, a single atomic bomb instantly severed the everyday life of Hiroshima, and each irreplaceable life was mercilessly taken.

The city was burned to the ground, and in an instant, all that people had built up in their lives, and all their hopes for the future, were lost.

For those who survived, the bomb brought not only visible wounds but also prolonged suffering, etching memories of grief beyond words.

Today, as the city that was once reduced to ruins has achieved reconstruction, the memory of Hiroshima continues to ask those of us living now how fragile human life and dignity can be, and how precious peace truly is.

The tragedies that ravaged Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the indescribable suffering endured by so many, must never be repeated.

Our country firmly upholds the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, and as the only country to have experienced the horror of nuclear devastation in war, bears the mission of continuing unwavering efforts toward the realization of “a world without nuclear weapons.”

The international security environment is growing increasingly severe.

As was seen at the recent Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the path toward realizing “a world without nuclear weapons” is by no means a smooth one.

But precisely because of this, we cannot afford to halt our progress.

In order to lead the international community’s efforts toward the realization of “a world without nuclear weapons,” while calling for the maintenance and strengthening of the NPT regime, we are resolved to continue realistic and practical efforts under the “Hiroshima Action Plan.”

Moreover, conveying the realities of the atomic bombings widely, across generations and national borders, is important as the starting point for all efforts toward nuclear disarmament.

Together with the atomic bomb survivors who, over many years, have spoken of the catastrophe caused by the use of nuclear weapons and their hopes for peace, and with the younger generation now carrying forward those memories and thoughts, we will do our utmost to promote understanding of the realities of the atomic bombings.

For the atomic bomb survivors, we will advance comprehensive relief measures spanning health, medical care, and welfare, and, with thought for each and every survivor now advancing in years, continue our efforts to ensure that necessary support reliably reaches them.

In particular, with regard to the certification of atomic bomb-related diseases, mindful of the feelings of those who have applied, we will strive to conduct screenings as swiftly as possible so that results can be conveyed to the survivors at the earliest date.

The people of Hiroshima, though deeply wounded by the bombing, rose up from it with strength and have continued to send out their message of peace.

And that message continues to spread across generations.

I understand that for the register of the deceased dedicated today at the cenotaph for the atomic bomb victims, young people selected through public recruitment took part for the first time in recording the names alongside the atomic bomb survivors.

That the memory of Hiroshima and the wish for peace are being firmly passed on to the next generation is a testament to the ceaseless efforts of the citizens.

I express my deep respect for that journey, and I too, keenly aware of my responsibility to hand down to the next generation a society in which people can live in safety and peace, pledge here in Hiroshima to devote my utmost efforts toward the realization of “a world without nuclear weapons” and eternal peace.

I offer my heartfelt prayers that the souls of those who fell victim to the atomic bombing rest in peace. I also pray sincerely for the inner peace of the bereaved families and the atomic bomb survivors as well as all the participants today and the people of Hiroshima City.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony
August 6, 2026