Restored Nagasaki Cathedral bell rings again, 80 years after atomic bombing

The restored bell ringing in Nagasaki for the first time in 80 years is a deeply symbolic and emotional moment. On August 9, 1945, at exactly 11:02 a.m., the atomic bomb dropped by the United States devastated the city, killing tens of thousands and leaving lasting scars. Among the many cultural and spiritual losses was the destruction of the Urakami Cathedral — once the largest Catholic church in East Asia — whose twin bells were silenced by the blast.

Now, in 2025, exactly 80 years later, those bells ring again, marking not just a solemn remembrance of the past but also a powerful symbol of peace, resilience, and healing. Their sound honors the victims, reflects on the horrors of nuclear warfare, and calls for a future free from such devastation.

The moment also highlights the continuing importance of remembrance in Japan and around the world — ensuring that the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never forgotten.