On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing on Nagasaki, 9th August at 6pm, we, various individuals and groups in Berlin, invite you to the rally at the Brandenburg Gate: “Dismantle All Colonialism!”.
2025 is the 80th year since the end of the Asia-Pacific War of aggression by Japan. Because of the atrocity of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the fact that Japan was a colonial, imperialist aggressor is often covered up. Japan is now further strengthening its military alliance under the US nuclear umbrella and advancing militarization itself. Furthermore, Japan invites Israel and other war merchants to arms exhibitions and is planning to buy military drones. We demand resolutely: No war, no nuclear weapons! Justice for the victims and abolish the emperor system! Stop the genocide and free Palestine! Dismantle All Colonialism!
No wars and no nukes!
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, the aggression on Iran by nuclear-armed Israel and the USA, and NATO’s military buildup, including nuclear sharing, are nothing but manifestations of imperialism. In East Asia, Japan and the USA are escalating provocations and military expansion against China and DPRK in the name of “self-defense”, Japan even now considering nuclear sharing. Germany is also attempting to strengthen its offensive capabilities, citing Russia as an excuse. Militaristic nations are not protecting people’s “safety”. Instead, they are endangering it while drastically increasing military spending and making people’s life harder. We strongly oppose this state violence.
Eighty years have passed since the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Countless people were killed instantly, and even more died later from the aftereffects. Every year, ceremonies are held under the banner of “peace”, but Japan’s history of aggression has not been adequately questioned. Furthermore, last year’s invitation to Israel, a nation currently committing genocide, to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony can only be described as peace-washing. Nuclear tests and uranium mining have largely been conducted on colonial and Indigenous lands, harming both the environment and the people who live there. Many Koreans, mobilized under colonial rule, were among the victims of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Around the world, there are people who have been exposed to radiation and are not being recognized and compensated. All countries must immediately abandon nuclear weapons, compensate victims and the damaged environment, and stop the war!
Justice to victims and end the emperor system
Modern Japan began its colonial rule with the subjugation of Ainu Mosir and Ryukyu. From the late 19th century, it expanded to Taiwan and the Korean peninsula. The empire had grown bloated by war, exploitation, and plundering. During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1930s–1945) and the Asia-Pacific War, it expanded its aggression across the entire Asia-Pacific, invading regions including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Within its controlled territories, the Japanese military committed massacres and systematic sexual violence (“comfort women” system). The Battle of Okinawa, where numerous residents were killed or forced to commit suicide, and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ultimately led to the empire’s collapse in 1945. However, in the 80 years since, victims have not received sincere apologies and adequate compensation. The Statue of Peace “Ari” in Berlin-Mitte symbolizes the victims of wartime sexual violence, including the Japanese military “comfort women” system. As many of the victims who fought for recognition have passed away due to old age, it is now more important than ever to listen to the voices of those directly affected! Protect the Statue of Peace “Ari”!
The war criminal, Emperor Hirohito, who was ultimately responsible for the devastating invasion that cost 20 million lives, was never punished and, through a succession, the system of the imperial family remains in place. Let’s dismantle the imperial system, a symbol of irresponsibility!
Stop the genocide and free Palestine!
Colonialism continues to exist to this day. Zionism, a form of settler colonialism and racism, has resulted in massacres, exploitation, and apartheid in Palestine, leading to the current genocide in Gaza. Palestinians are being completely deprived of their right to determine how to live on their land and their right to return, rights guaranteed by international law. The situation where colonialism infringes upon people’s lives and self-determination mirrors the experiences of the people in Okinawa, who are subjected to violence from the US and Japan military bases. Colonialism and racism are pervasive worldwide, and exploitation and violence are repeated in places like the Congo, Sudan, Kurdistan, and Okinawa. To stop the ongoing massacres and apartheid, we must amplify each individual voice. Don’t be afraid, let’s raise our voices together! Let’s dismantle colonialism from Palestine to Okinawa, now!
