Table of Contents
Nagasaki Prefecture, nestled in a serene harbour on the west coast of Kyushu Island in Japan, was once celebrated for its picturesque volcanoes, stunning offshore islands, and relaxing hot-spring spas. Until August 9, 1945, Nagasaki was a prominent tourist destination. However, that day, at 1:56 a.m., the city’s landscape was irrevocably altered by the detonation of the atomic bomb “Fat Man,” resulting in widespread devastation and countless casualties.
In the years that followed, the Nagasaki City Council has dedicated August 9th as Nagasaki Day to honor the memory of the second atomic bombing and its enduring impact. Each year, this day serves as a solemn reminder and an opportunity for world leaders to reaffirm their commitment to a nuclear-free world. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Nagasaki Day 2025 commemorations will be scaled back, but the significance of the day remains profound.
In this blog, we delve into the history and causes of Nagasaki Day and offer an opportunity to test your knowledge with our free Nagasaki Day Quiz 2025.
Nagasaki Day 2025 Date – August 9
In this article readers can get a glimpse on
- History and Objective of Nagasaki Day
- Nagasaki Day Dates and Quotes
- Nagasaki Day Quiz
Nagasaki Day 2025
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
Nagasaki, once a picturesque coastal town on Kyushu Island, was renowned for its tiered houses perched on hillsides and its winding streets. As Japan’s second oldest port, it was a key gateway for foreign trade. During World War II, the city endured several air raids, but these attacks were largely non-fatal. However, on the night of August 9, just three days after the Hiroshima bombing, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki. The devastating blast claimed thousands of lives and left the city in ruins for years. Even decades later, the residents of Nagasaki continue to grapple with the lingering effects of radiation. Join us as we delve into the tragic events of that fateful day.
Free UPSKILLING Courses!
Take your first step toward mastering in-demand skills, acing interviews, and securing top-tier jobs with Entri's free upskilling courses.
Start Learning!Nagasaki Day 2025 Dates
Find out the dates of Nagasaki Day 2025 for the next few years.
| Event | Date | Day |
| Nagasaki Day 2023 | August 9, 2023 | Wednesday |
| Nagasaki Day 2024 | August 9, 2024 | Friday |
| Nagasaki Day 2025 | August 9, 2025 | Saturday |
| Nagasaki Day 2026 | August 9, 2026 | Sunday |
| Nagasaki Day 2027 | August 9, 2027 | Monday |
History of Nagasaki Day
On August 06, 2025, Japan completed 75 years since it first suffered the world’s first atomic bomb attack on the city of Hiroshima, followed three days later by the second and last on Nagasaki. These fatal events lead to the much-needed end of world war II at the cost of over 2,00,000 lives and unimaginable loss of property. Nagasaki was a shipbuilding center and the second-largest port of Japan. At 11:02 a.m, on August 09, 1945, 1,650 feet above the city of Nagasaki, the United States Air force dropped the plutonium implosion bomb (“Fat Man”). The explosion unleashed the equivalent force of 22,000 tons of Trinitrotoluene (TNT).
The “Fat Man” bomb was somewhat more powerful than the one dropped over Hiroshima (Little Boy), but because of Nagasaki’s more uneven terrain, there was less damage. Six days after this historic event, Japan surrendered, ending World War Two. Harry S Truman, the then United States President ordered the Atomic Bombing over Japan. While giving the order, Truman decided that only bombing a city would make an adequate impression on the Japanese army. He wants to destroy Japan’s ability to fight wars, so he selects the target cities to keep in mind the military production areas. Mr. Truman makes sure to avoid any monuments or other places which hold cultural importance.
The primary target for the bomb was Kokura, but because of the smoky clouds the US moves the destination towards the scenic Nagasaki. The Kokura city was obscured by clouds and smoke, as the nearby city of Yahata had been firebombed on the previous day. One of the steel plants in that area was set on fire on August 08. The Fat Man was dropped over the Urakami Valley which is midway between the Mitsubishi Steel and Arms Works and the Mitsubishi-Urakami Ordnance Works. The bomb gets exploded after 53 seconds making the whole area into ash clouds.
Nagasaki was one of the major shipbuilding ports in Japan. During World War II, the city manufactured weapons for the Japanese military. Two munitions factories (bombs, shells, cartridges, pyrotechnics, and screening smokes) were located there: the Mitsubishi Steel and Arms Works and the Mitsubishi-Urakami Torpedo Works. This makes the US selects Nagasaki as their second target. The US airforce uses a specially adapted B-29 bomber, called “Bockscar,” after its usual commander, Frederick Bock, took off from Tinian Island under the command of Maj. Charles W. Sweeney for the attack.
Nagasaki Day Quotes
“At a time when the Japanese were pleading desperately for peace, Hiroshima and Nagasaki were atomized.”
“People are still bearing the scars of history; we are still experiencing the aftershock of Hiroshima.”
“Everything, save our ways of thinking, has changed as a result of the atom’s unleashed power, and we are now heading for an unprecedented catastrophe.”
Each positive value has a corresponding negative price… Hiroshima is the result of Einstein’s brilliance. -Spanish painter Pablo Picasso
“Let’s be alert-alert in two ways, therefore. Since Auschwitz, we are aware of the power of man.
“How do we prevent Iran from developing an atomic bomb on the American side, when nuclear dropping on Japan is not recognized as a war crime.”
“Now when we look back to Guildford of that time, it seems much more exotic than Nagasaki.”
“In Nagasaki, American planes dropped the warning leaflets – but not till Aug 10, the day after the city was bombed.”
Free UPSKILLING Courses!
Take your first step toward mastering in-demand skills, acing interviews, and securing top-tier jobs with Entri's free upskilling courses.
Start Learning!Nagasaki Day Quiz 2025
B) Fat Man
C) Big Boy
3. Which plane dropped the bomb on Nagasaki?
A) Enola Gay
B) Bockscar
C) Superfortress
A) Osaka
B) Kokura
C) Sapporo
5. What type of bomb was used in the Nagasaki attack?
A) Hydrogen bomb
B) Plutonium-based atomic bomb
C) Uranium-based atomic bomb
A) Around 20,000
B) Around 40,000
C) Around 70,000
A) World War I
B) World War II
C) Korean War
A) To test nuclear weapons
B) To destroy Japan’s economy
C) To force Japan to surrender quickly
A) Celebration of military victory
B) Awareness of nuclear disarmament and peace
C) Industrial development in Japan
Want More Engaging Questions?
Download our FREE PDF packed with insightful quiz questions to test your knowledge!
🔽 Click below to get your free copy now! 🔽
Nagasaki Day Quiz 2025 PDF
Nagasaki Day serves as a solemn reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. The bombing of Nagasaki not only ended countless lives but also left deep scars on survivors and the city itself. By observing this day, we remember the innocent victims and reflect on the importance of peace and humanity. It also highlights the urgent need for global efforts toward nuclear disarmament. Education and remembrance play a vital role in preventing such tragedies from ever happening again.
Each year, Nagasaki Day brings together voices from around the world calling for a future without war and weapons of mass destruction. The stories of survivors, memorials, and peace messages inspire collective action for a safer, more compassionate world. As nations advance in technology and power, the lessons of Nagasaki urge us to prioritize dialogue and cooperation. It is not just about remembering the past but ensuring a peaceful tomorrow. Let Nagasaki’s legacy guide our path toward lasting global harmony.
Free UPSKILLING Courses!
Take your first step toward mastering in-demand skills, acing interviews, and securing top-tier jobs with Entri's free upskilling courses.
Start Learning!Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nagasaki Day and why is it observed?
Nagasaki Day is observed on August 9 every year. It marks the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945 during World War II. The day remembers the victims and highlights the destruction caused by nuclear weapons. It also promotes peace, nuclear disarmament, and awareness about the horrors of war. Many global events, prayers, and peace walks are held to honor the day.
What happened on Nagasaki Day in 1945?
On August 9, 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb named “Fat Man” on Nagasaki. This was the second nuclear attack after Hiroshima. The bombing caused massive destruction and killed around 70,000 people by the end of that year. Thousands more died later due to radiation-related illnesses. The attack played a key role in Japan’s surrender in World War II.
Why was Nagasaki chosen as the target?
Nagasaki was not the first choice; Kokura was originally targeted. However, due to bad weather and cloud cover over Kokura, the plane diverted to its secondary target, Nagasaki. Nagasaki was a significant industrial and military port city. It had factories producing weapons, ships, and military supplies. The U.S. chose it for its strategic military importance.
What kind of bomb was used in Nagasaki?
The bomb dropped on Nagasaki was a plutonium-based atomic bomb. It was named “Fat Man” and was more powerful than the one used on Hiroshima. The explosion caused immense damage and fires across the city. The bomb destroyed homes, hospitals, and schools instantly. Survivors suffered long-term effects from radiation exposure.
How did the bombing affect the people of Nagasaki?
Tens of thousands of people died instantly, while many others suffered severe burns and injuries. Survivors, called hibakusha, faced long-term health problems due to radiation. These included cancers, genetic damage, and psychological trauma. Many children were orphaned, and hospitals were overwhelmed. Social discrimination also affected hibakusha for decades afterward.
What role did the Nagasaki bombing play in ending World War II?
The bombing of Nagasaki occurred just three days after Hiroshima. It shocked Japan’s leadership and accelerated their decision to surrender. On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its surrender, ending World War II. The use of atomic bombs remains controversial. Some argue it saved lives by avoiding a prolonged war, while others call it unnecessary.
What message does Nagasaki Day promote today?
Nagasaki Day promotes peace, non-violence, and the abolition of nuclear weapons. It serves as a reminder of the devastating power of nuclear war. Survivors and activists use this day to share their stories and warn future generations. Schools and communities hold educational events and moments of silence. It’s a global call to prevent such tragedies again.
Are there any memorials in Nagasaki for the victims?
Yes, the Nagasaki Peace Park is a major memorial site. It features the Peace Statue, commemorating those who died in the bombing. There’s also the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, which documents the history and effects. Visitors learn about the bombing’s impact and the survivors’ experiences. These places aim to inspire peace and nuclear disarmament.
How is Nagasaki Day commemorated around the world?
Many countries hold peace walks, prayer services, and educational programs. Schools may organize special lessons or activities on nuclear awareness. Activists host webinars, seminars, and exhibitions to promote anti-nuclear messages. Survivors often share their testimonies to keep the memory alive. Some cities also observe a minute of silence at the time of the bombing.
What lessons can we learn from Nagasaki Day?
Nagasaki Day teaches us about the human cost of war and nuclear weapons. It urges countries to choose diplomacy over conflict. The stories of survivors highlight the importance of compassion and peace. It reminds us to work together for a world free of nuclear arms. Learning history helps prevent repeating such tragedies.
