Protests erupt in Japan over US opposition to Nagasaki's snub of Israel

In Tokyo, a significant number of pro-Palestine demonstrators rallied outside the US diplomatic mission to voice their discontent with the US government's opposition to Nagasaki's decision not to invite Israel to a conference honoring the victims of the 1945 nuclear bombing.

Protesters were seen chanting slogans supporting Palestine and denouncing Israel, while police intervened to prevent them from getting too close to the embassy, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Videos shared on social media showed the crowd waving Palestinian flags and chanting phrases such as “Free Free Gaza,” “No No occupation,” and “Yes Yes liberation.” Additionally, the demonstrators carried signs with anti-Israel messages. Some activists also organized a separate gathering at the British Embassy in Tokyo, repeating their pro-Palestine chants.

Nagasaki's local government announced on August 7 that it would not extend an invitation to Israel for its annual event marking the US nuclear bombing, a decision that has upset G7 nations, with the exception of Japan.

Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki defended the decision, asserting it was "not politically motivated" and confirmed that the plan to exclude Israeli officials from the event would remain unchanged.

In response to Suzuki's choice, envoys from the US and other G7 nations — including the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the EU — may decide not to attend the event, linking their participation to the invitation of Israel, which Nagasaki has declined. Japan, as the host country and atomic bomb victim, has yet to publicly comment on the dispute.

During World War II, the twin cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki began holding annual memorial events following the US bombings, which resulted in at least 140,000 deaths by the end of 1945. This year marks the 79th anniversary of the tragedy.

Mayor Suzuki's decision has garnered substantial support, particularly from younger demographics. While Japan does not officially recognize a Palestinian state, it does maintain a General Mission of Palestine in Tokyo, and the deputy chief of the Palestinian mission is scheduled to attend the Nagasaki event.