Trump's Controversial Hiroshima Comparison Sparks Outrage in Japan

The controversial remarks have reignited painful memories of nuclear attacks and prompted protests by survivors.

US President Donald Trump has faced stern backlash from Japan after he controversially likened recent military strikes on Iran to the devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated, "That hit ended the war,” while drawing parallels with the strikes, which resulted in about 140,000 deaths in Japan.

Nagasaki's mayor, Shiro Suzuki, expressed deep regret over Trump's remarks, stating that if they seem to justify the atomic bombings, “it is extremely regrettable for us as a city that was bombed.” Survivors from the atomic bomb attacks have also voiced their discontent. Mimaki Toshiyuki, who co-chairs the Nobel Peace Prize-winning group Nihon Hidankyo, labeled the comments "unacceptable," echoing sentiments of anger and disappointment among the survivor community.

In response to Trump's statements, which came in the context of defending the impact of US strikes on Iran's nuclear program, protests erupted in Hiroshima. Survivors demanded a retraction of his statement, while local lawmakers passed a resolution denouncing comments that condone the use of atomic weapons. They advocated for peaceful resolutions to conflicts instead.

When questioned about the possibility of lodging a formal complaint against Trump’s comments, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hayashi Yoshimasa, reiterated the nation’s longstanding stance on nuclear weapons to Washington.

The atomic bombings remain an emotionally charged subject in Japan, where memorials and symbols of peace play a central role in collective memory. The discussions surrounding Trump's remarks have served to reawaken discussions about the horrors of nuclear warfare and the global commitment to peace and security.