NHK has learned that Pope Francis will likely issue a message calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons during his planned visit to the Japanese city of Nagasaki.
The Vatican announced last month that he will travel to the atomic-bombed cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during his 4-day trip to Japan. His visit starts on November 23.
People in Japan are remembering the atomic bombing of the city of Nagasaki during World War Two. Over the past 74 years, the city has come to symbolize loss, resilience and hope. In a ceremony, politicians and survivors called on people around the globe to do more to ensure the world never again experiences a nuclear tragedy.
From early in the morning, people came out to the Peace Park to remember the dead and share their wishes for peace.
Friday marks 74 years since an atomic bomb was dropped over Japan's western city of Nagasaki. At a memorial ceremony in the city, the mayor called on Japan's government to join a UN treaty on banning nuclear weapons.
The ceremony began at the city's Peace Park at 10:40 a.m. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended, along with survivors of the bombing, known as hibakusha. Families of those who died as a result of the attack also participated.
Friday marks 74 years since an atomic bomb was dropped over Japan's western city of Nagasaki. At a memorial service in the city, the mayor will call on Japan's government to join a UN treaty on banning nuclear weapons.
The service will begin at the city's Peace Park at 10:40 a.m. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will attend, along with survivors of the bombing, known as hibakusha. Families of those who died as a result of the attack will also be at the service.
A wooden cross found among the ruins of Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki after the 1945 atomic bombing has been returned to the city.
The cross was taken to the US by US Marine Walter Hooke, who was stationed in Nagasaki shortly after the war. He donated it to the Peace Resource Center at Wilmington College in Ohio.