Project 1:
Nagasaki from war to peace
The history and significance of Nagasaki
Before Wartime
During Wartime
In 1550, the first Portuguese ship to reach Nagasaki sailed into Hirado harbor in the northern part of the prefecture, starting to preach Christianity in the Nagasaki area and other parts of Japan.
In 1571, the Japanese government opened a port in Nagasaki for trading with Portuguese ships. Hence, shipping and industrial activities were in the nascent stage. After that, many western goods were introduced into Nagasaki, which acted as an entrepot.
Traders from the Netherlands and China were also doing business in Nagasaki in those days. The Bakufu (the Japanese government in those days), closed all Japanese seaports to overseas ships in its closed door policy and Nagasaki was designated as the ONLY port where trade with foreign countries was permitted. The closed door policy continued until its abolition more than 200 years later.
Nagasaki played a crucial role during wartime because Japan actively developed in wide-ranging industrial activity, including the production of ships, military equipment, and other raw materials for the production of weapons, fighter aircraft, etc. at that time. Part of Nagasaki was home to a major Imperial Japanese Navy base during the First Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War. Its name means "long cape". It is one of the areas in Japan with the highest death tolls and greatest destruction due to the explosion of the atomic bomb “Fat Man”, 73,884 people were lost, and another 74,909 were injured.
The Role played by Nagasaki nowadays
Tourism, heavy industry and technology are now the major focus of Nagasaki. Not only its beauty has been recognized as one of the world’s best night views, many relics of the atomic bombing have been preserved and are on display to the public. Aiming to raise the alarm about the importance of peace, ensuring the tragedy would never happen again.
The Atomic Bomb On Nagasaki
The atomic bomb that dropped on Nagasaki in 1945 was given the nickname ‘Fat Man’ because of its shape (as shown in the picture below). Its height was 3.52 m and the largest diameter was 1.52 m.
This bomb weighed 4.5 tonne and the power is equivalent to 21,000 tonnes dynamite(TNT).
Nuclear fission was created by explosives imploding on a core of plutonium.
Plutonium 239 fission
Typically, when the plutonium-239 nucleus undergoes fission, the nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, along with a few neutrons (the average is 2.89 neutrons per fission by thermal neutron) and release of energy in the form of heat and gamma rays. The average of the fragment atomic mass is about 120, but very few fragments near that average are found. It is much more probable to break up into unequal fragments, and the most probable fragment masses are around mass numbers 103 and 134 (and around atomic numbers 40 – Zirconium and 54 – Xenon).
How the explosion occurred
The nuclear material contained is plutonium 239. The energy from detonating the surrounding explosives compresses a spherical core of plutonium 239 into a critical state in which nuclear fission occurs.
The fast moving neutrons were emitted by a neutron initiator implanted in the center to trigger the fission of plutonium-239.
The many neutrons generated by nuclear fission caused a chain reaction, releasing tremendous energy in the form of blast, heat and radiation, destroying the city of Nagasaki. Only about 1 kg of plutonium underwent nuclear fission. The rest was discharged into the environment as plutonium 239 atoms, some of which fellout and rained down on surrounding areas.
The Disastrous Damage by the Atomic Bomb
During the explosion of the atomic bomb, devastating damages were done by the blast, the heat and the radiation released. Within the mushroom cloud, there were gamma radiation and neutron radiation.
The heat rays released from the fireball comprised of, according to the temperature, ultraviolet rays, visible rays and infrared rays.
Damage done by radiation
The mushroom cloud of the atom bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan in 1945 rose some 18 kilometres (11 miles) above the bomb's hypocenter. The bomb killed at least 60,000 people.
Alpha rays, Beta rays, Gamma radiation and neutrons rays were found in the mushroom clouds and they have very different penetrating power.
Gamma ray can be weakened by a block of lead while neutron ray can only be absorbed by a thick layer of concrete. Gamma rays and neutron rays inflicted serious damage not only to humans but also to the growth of vegetation. Without protective covering, burns were lethal.Several diseases are also caused by penetrating into human bodies and destroyed cells in various tissues. The extent of injuries depends on the radiation dose, but the vast majority of all people within a distance of one kilometre from the hypocenter died. Since this includes people without external injuries, it shows the destructive capacity of radiation. The damages caused by the atomic bomb did not end at the moment of explosion. The radiation wreaked deep internal injuries that appeared in subsequent years in various symptoms. The radiation injuries inflicted that summer of 1945 continues to this day to cause suffering.
Diseases due to exposure to radiation include atomic bomb cataract(急性白內障), microcephaly (小頭症), leukemia (白血病) and cancers in the colon, stomach and lungs.
Exposure to radiation from outside is called external exposure while or exposure from inside the body is called internal exposure. This occurs when a person ingests food and water contaminated with radioactive substances or inhales the radioactive substances itself. The victims of Nagasaki atomic bombing experienced both the external and internal exposure.
Immediately after the blast, heat rays caused fire throughout the city.
The Rebuilding of Nagasaki
Local citizens
In Nagasaki, reconstruction proceeded slowly. It was the latter half of 1946 before the first simple emergency dwellings were provided in various communities. The focus on redevelopment was the replacement of war industries with foreign trade, shipbuilding and fishing. This was formally declared when the Nagasaki International Culture City Reconstruction Law was passed in May 1949. New temples were built, as well as new churches owing to an increase in the presence of Christianity. New structures were also raised as memorials, such as the Atomic Bomb Museum. Nagasaki remains first and foremost a port city, supporting a rich shipbuilding industry and setting a strong example of perseverance and peace.
1. Catholic religious belief
As the roots of Christianity were buried deep in the history of Nagasaki, it posed a great influence to the locals. Citizens believed that the tragedy might be a test of perseverance given by the god. Christianity provided spiritual and mental support for the citizens who had endured severe pain and loss, giving them hope and leading them out of the haze and shadow. Without Catholic religious belief, local citizens would possibly feel hopeless and helpless. To them, the god is a bright, shiny guiding star in their pathway of grieve and darkness.
2. Perseverance and unity
The atomic bombing inflicted a crushing blow on Nagasaki’s medical treatment system. The surviving doctors and nurses began relief activities, but the lack of equipment and supplies made it impossible to provide first aid. Relief trains take the risk to travel to the still-burning neighborhoods near the hypocenter and carried victims to the hospitals in nearby towns. A naval hospital relief team comprised of volunteer guards and fire-fighting brigades entered the city in the evening even there is the chance of exposing into radiation. All citizens are willing to involve in the rescue and relief activities because they have a strong sense of national pride and unity.
The renowned Latin writer, Publilius Syrus, once said, “Where there is unity, there is always victory.” This is probably the reason why Japan can stand strong as one of the most successful countries in modern days.
The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, renovated in 1996, stands alongside the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, built in 2003. Together, they are the most visited sites for learning about what happened and quietly commemorating the souls of the departed. Every year, a Peace Ceremony is held at the Peace Park and the Peace Statue.
The above shows that the Japanese government focused strongly on maintaining peace with foreign countries and the protections for its citizens. They also provided lots of aid for the rebuilding and reconstruction of the homelands, healing the wounds of loss in the survivors’ heart.
Important events
Japanese Government
1985 Aug 8- The First World Conference of Mayors for Peace was held to discuss remedial measures
1989 March 27- The Nagasaki Citizens Peace Charter is enacted
1993 Apr 17- The 1st United Nation and Disarmament Symposium in Nagasaki is convened
1994 July 22- Nagasaki City Memorial Vault for Unclaimed Remains of Atomic Bomb Victims is completed
1995 Mar 20- A resolution making August 9 “Peace Day” is passed the Nagasaki City Council
Dr. Takashi Nagai
An assistant professor at Nagasaki Medical College, was exposed to the atomic bomb explosion in the college hospital. In spite of his own injury, he immediately began selfless efforts to assist the victims and to launch studies concerning atomic bomb disease. His efforts later shifted from medical concerns to the restoration of the city and culture of Nagasaki and to the realization of world peace. Even Dr. Nagai had been suffering from leukemia, he continued his research and writing from his sickbed. He died six years after the atomic bombing, but his achievements tell of his great aspiration for peace.
Conclusion
Discussion of Issue :
Whether the dropping of the second atomic bomb was necessary.
The first atomic bomb, known as ‘Little Boy’, and a uranium-type and was dropped at Hiroshima on 6th August, 1945 and caused the death of 70,000 to 80,000 people. Why did the Allies still drop the second atomic bomb three days later on 9th August, 1945?
[Interview with Professor Simon Shen, an expert on international relationship]
We interviewed the expert of International Relationship: Professor Simon Shen (沈旭暉) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Furthermore, Like the Japanese cities previously bombed by American airmen, the US and its allies justified the atomic bombings as a military necessity to avoid invading the Japanese home islands which would cost the lives of between 250,000–500,000 Allied troops and millions of Japanese troops and civilians.
Between the two bombings, the Soviets, pursuant to the Yalta agreement, invaded Japanese –held Manchuria, and quickly defeated the Kwantung Army, which was the largest Japanese fighting force. The Red Army also captured Sakhalin Island and the Kuril Islands.
On 15 August 1945, Japan surrendered, with the surrender documents finally signed aboard the deck of the American battleship USS Missouri on 2 September 1945, ending the war.
Aids from the United States
Apart from the reconstruction locals, the America is one of the countries that provide most of the aids. Leading by General MacArthur, the US provided aids, building materials, task forces to help the rebuilding. The question why the American help Japan after dropping the atomic bomb is being frequently asked? The main reason is to turn Japan into an ally of the US. By having Japan as a pro-US country, not only the two countries can go against the hostiles, they can also be good economy trading partners. On the other hand, it is an important sign of promoting peace throughout the world to show a friendly and peaceful relationship.
To cool the race for successful tests for atomic and hydrogen bombs, the U.S., U.S.S.R, and Britain signed the Limited Nuclear Test-ban Treaty in August 1963, which banned nuclear testing in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater. France and China did not concur, and in any case, such showcase treaties have not proved successful in restraining the nuclear arms race.
In 2015, the U.S. has made success in restraining Iran to stop nuclear testing through negotiation and bargaining. This is one big step to maintain stability in the region. A tremendous effort would be needed to stop atomic and hydrogen bomb testing in North Korea.
The quest for peace is still a very tough job for the super powers in the world. Nagasaki, Japan, was devastated by the explosion of the atomic bomb thrown by the U.S. on 9th August,1945. After such incident, Japan hoped that Nagasaki could be the last place in the Earth suffered from the nuclear holocaust, owing to the serious impacts seen afterwards. In order to promote the message of the importance of peace, Nagasaki had established the Nagasaki Citizens Peace Charter on the 100th anniversary.
Nagasaki Citizens Peace Charter
1. We will strive to create and maintain a bright social environment characterized by thoughtfulness, respect for human rights, and freedom from discrimination.
2. We will strive to enhance peace education and to inform our children –on whose shoulders and future ties about the horror of war and the reality of the atomic bombing.
3. We will strive to promote the prosperity and welfare of humanity in cooperation with the United Nations and cities around the world while strengthening bonds of friendship as an international city.
4. We will strive for world peace and disarmament by observing the Three-Fold Non-nuclear Principle (not to manufacture, store of introducing nuclear weapons) and by pressing Japanese Government to strictly observe this principle.
5. As the mission of an atomic-bombed city, we will strive to rid the Earth of nuclear weapons by revealing the horror of nuclear destruction and by joining in efforts to peace –loving people everywhere.
Quoting from Dr. Takashi Nagai, a Japanese survivor from the Second World War and was best known for his efforts in helping the victims, “We should utilize the principle of the atomic bomb. Go forward in the research of atomic energy contributing to the progress of civilization. A misfortune will then be transformed to good fortune. The world civilization will change with the utilization of atomic energy. If a new and fortunate world can be made, the souls of so many victims will rest in peace."
In this digitized world, there are plenty of inventions invented with a great help to our lives. Yet, when we have misused them, their existence will only become a bad to the whole world. Nowadays, there are much more conflicts among countries all over the world, not only limited between Japan and China. To solve all these problems, a long period of time may be required. Nevertheless, only peace will lead to the best ending—mutually profitable situation.
In a nutshell, lasting world peace is a common aspiration of all humanity. If we can all share the same vision of the people of Nagasaki, peace on the Earth is not just a dream but a lofty goal, the final destination of all humanity.