Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum — Attraction in Nagasaki

We thought it was important to visit Nagasaki on our first visit to Kyushu. And it is important to visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, which stands as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear war, preserving the memory of the 1945 atomic bombing. It serves as a symbol of peace and resilience, educating visitors on the importance of disarmament and fostering a global commitment to a future free from nuclear weapons. But I wasn't quite prepared for the emotions that overcame me during the visit.

Nagasaki was chosen as a target for the atomic bombing primarily due to its industrial and military significance during World War II. It was a key port city with a strategic naval base and major wartime industries, including shipbuilding, arms production, and other facilities that supported Japan’s war effort. Additionally, Nagasaki was selected as an alternative target after the primary target, Kokura, was obscured by clouds on the day of the bombing, August 9, 1945. This decision led to the deployment of the "Fat Man" bomb over Nagasaki, causing immense destruction and loss of life.

But no, none of these reasons could ever justify such cruelty inflicted on the innocent people of Nagasaki. The issue lies in the justification of horrors against innocent civilians by citing the atrocities committed by others from their nation. Such reasoning not only perpetuates injustice but also undermines the moral principle that collective accountability cannot be imposed on the innocent. Retaliatory logic, grounded in tit-for-tat, is neither ethical nor defensible. Not anywhere in the world, not when using any weapon less horrifying than nuclear weapons.

One of the most striking exhibits was the charred remains of a student’s lunchbox, preserved at the serve as a haunting and deep reminder of the young lives lost in the...

As a history teacher, I made sure to put Nagasaki first on my itinerary to Kyushu specifically so I could come to this museum to gain a more nuanced understanding of the horror of the atomic bombing. I was prepared for an extremely upsetting but important experience, but left instead feeling perplexingly underwhelmed. First, the museum is quite small, with less than five full rooms to explore. Second, there was a surprising amount of focus placed on the destruction of the local Christian church (one of the five full rooms) which was confusing and made me wonder if perhaps the museum had been partially funded by missionaries? Third, there was a lot of focus placed on the effects of the bombing on inanimate objects, and they had items on display such as charred rice, stairs, beams, etc. However, by comparison, it felt like the explanation of the human experience was almost underplayed. Besides the poems displayed at the end, the museum seemed to be taking steps to shield the visitor from having any significant emotional reaction to the event, and this choice perplexed me. We thought maybe it was designed more for school children than as a visceral warning for future generations? But it wasn't very interactive, so perhaps not. Whatever the case, I left feeling like my understanding of the atrocity and the reality of it according to the museum where it happened were somehow not aligned. The museum didn't cover even a fraction of a Wikipedia article on the event, for example. It almost felt like than deeping a visitor's understanding, the museum seemed to downplay the event? I don't want to judge a museum that is located where such a horror happened, and it is wonderful that there is a museum here to commemorate it, but I'm still left feeling confused as to why the depth - both informationally and emotionally -...

The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is an incredibly powerful and moving museum that provides a haunting and emotional account of the devastating impact of the atomic bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9th, 1945. Located just a short distance from the hypocenter of the explosion, the museum is an important reminder of the horror of nuclear warfare and the need to work towards peace.

The exhibits in the museum are extremely well-curated and provide a detailed and emotional account of the events leading up to the bombing, the immediate aftermath of the attack, and the long-term impact on the people of Nagasaki. The artifacts on display, such as photographs, personal belongings, and fragments of the bomb itself, are incredibly powerful and provide a visceral reminder of the human cost of war.

One of the most impressive aspects of the museum is the way in which it balances a sense of horror and tragedy with a message of hope and peace. Throughout the exhibits, there is a strong emphasis on the need to work towards a world free from nuclear weapons and to promote peace and understanding between nations.

Overall, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is a deeply moving and thought-provoking museum that should be on the itinerary of anyone visiting Nagasaki. It is a reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of working towards a more peaceful future. I highly recommend a visit to this powerful and...