Representatives from nearly 80 countries across the world, gathered with Japanese officials, World War II survivors and members of the general public on Sunday to solemnly mark the 70^th anniversary of the bombardment of the city of Nagasaki with an atomic bomb.

On Aug. 9, 1945 - three days after an atomic bomb was dropped in Hiroshima, killing 140,000 people - the U.S. dropped another atomic bomb in Nagasaki, killing up to 70,000 people. These attacks directly influenced Japan's acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration and ultimate surrender in the Second World War.

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At the ceremony to mark the 70^th anniversary of the Nagasaki bombing, a minute of silence was observed at 11:02a.m., - the time that the bomb exploded seven decades ago. Several doves were also released in memory of the victims of the attack.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as he had done at the Hiroshima anniversary a few days ago, reaffirmed Japan's commitment to peaceful development. This time, he also called for nuclear disarmament and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to the three non-nuclear principles. According to these principles, Japan will not manufacture, handle or permit nuclear weapons to be brought into the country.

Since the end of the Cold War, Japan has adopted a pacifist constitution and has been a strong advocate for the abolishment of nuclear weapons. However, critics have accused Abe and the Liberal Democratic Party of attempting to take Japan back to her militaristic past.

There have been widespread protests against Japan's latest security bills, which would permit its army to engage in combat in foreign lands to protect ally interests. Neighboring countries including China and South Korea have also expressed apprehension about the legislation. But Japanese authorities have defended the bills saying it is necessary to deal with the evolving threats to the country's security. Lawmakers in Japan's lower house have since approved the bills. It currently awaits approval by the upper house.

At the ceremony to mark the 70^th anniversary of the Nagasaki bombing, the mayor of the city Tomihisa Taue called on the government and legislators to consider the opposition to the security bills. "Listen to these voices of anxiety and concern and conduct careful and sincere deliberations by bringing together people's wisdom," he said.

A survivor of the Nagasaki bombing, Sumiteru Tomihisa, who is currently the chairman of the Nagasaki Atomic Bombing Survivors Council, also delivered a speech at the ceremony criticizing Japan's latest security bills.

"The national legislation being advanced by the government will lead Japan to war. It will overturn from the foundation the movements and thoughts toward abolition of nuclear weapons, which have been built up by many people seeking peace, including hibakusha (surviving victims). We can never tolerate it," he said.

TagsNagasaki Bombing 70th Anniversary, Hiroshima Bombing 70th Anniversary, Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing, Japan Second World War, Japan Security Bills