The Nagasaki Prefectural Consumers' Co-operative Union and JCCU jointly held "2026 Peace Action in Nagasaki"on August 7 and 8, 2026. A total of approximately 1,500 people from across Japan participated, both in person and online.

As in Hiroshima, JCCU and its member co-ops began their peace activities in Nagasaki in 1978, centered on "Niji-no Hiroba (Rainbow Stage)," a gathering organized by the co-ops. This year marks the 49th year of these activities.

Eighty-one years after the atomic bombings and the end of World War II, and amid significant changes in the international situation, this year's event focused on reaffirming the importance of peace, fostering exchange, and passing on the experiences and lessons of the past to future generations.

A total of 11 programs were held at the venue, including testimonies from atomic bomb survivors, presentations by young people engaged in peace activities, and participatory programs designed to preserve and pass on the experiences of the atomic bombings.

＜Future Peace Activities＞
A project by the WATANAVE Hidenori Laboratory at the University of Tokyo's Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies was introduced. The laboratory conducts research on preserving and passing on memories of war through information technology, including the colorization of historical black-and-white photographs and digital mapping.

At the venue, Mr. NAGAI Tokusaburo, Director of the Nagasaki City Takashi Nagai Memorial Museum and grandson of Dr. NAGAI Takashi, spoke about his own experiences and hopes for peace. Dr. NAGAI survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, provided medical care to victims as a physician, and authored the renowned book The Bells of Nagasaki.

Participants also explored the latest digital archives and learned how digital technology can be used to preserve historical records and pass them on to future generations.

＜Toward a World Without Nuclear Weapons＞
A "Model International Conference" was also held, in which participants took on the roles of representatives of fictional countries. Participants from consumer co-ops across Japan represented seven fictional countries and prepared a proposal aimed at preventing war and achieving a peaceful and secure world, while taking into account each country's security position and conflicts between nations.

Through this role-playing exercise, participants learned about the complex international situation surrounding nuclear weapons, as well as the difficulty and importance of dialogue in overcoming differences of opinion.

Model International Conference facilitated by Ms. NAKAMURA Keiko, Associate Professor at the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition, Nagasaki University (RECNA), with representatives of seven fictional countries, including two participating online

＜Interactive Program for Passing On the Experiences of Atomic Bomb Survivors＞
After learning about everyday life before the atomic bombing and how it was suddenly lost, participants divided into small groups to exchange views. They discussed what should be given the highest priority in extreme circumstances, such as war or evacuation following a disaster, choosing from eight important aspects of life, including family, life, money, friends, and hope.

Through this exercise, participants were encouraged to view peace not as an abstract concept, but as an issue closely connected to their own lives and values.

＜Children's Peace Conference＞
Ahead of the main event, online preparatory learning activities and workshops were held on August 2 for children, who will play an important role in shaping the future. Children from across Japan and high school students from Nagasaki participated, learning about the history of war and the atomic bombing before dividing into small groups to exchange views.

The high school students who chaired the discussions compiled the participants' views into a "Children's Peace Conference Appeal." The appeal expressed an understanding of how the atomic bombing fundamentally destroyed people's lives and affirmed that engaging in dialogue with people who hold different perspectives and opinions, while seeking to understand and respect one another, is the most important first step toward peace.

＜Excerpt from the Appeal＞
By participating in the Children's Peace Conference, I learned how profoundly the atomic bombing changed people's lives. Through interacting and talking with other participants, I also realized that we all shared the same feelings of fear and horror.

I was also reminded of the value of dialogue. I believe the most important first step toward peace is to listen to different opinions and perspectives, get to know one another, and show mutual respect.

Rather than letting these important realizations end with this special occasion, I want to carry them into our everyday activities and lives and continue engaging in dialogue with many people.

＜Niji-no Hiroba (Rainbow Stage)＞
As the culminating event of Peace Action in Nagasaki, Niji-no Hiroba (Rainbow Stage) brought together approximately 1,000 participants from across Japan, both in person and online. Representing the organizers, SHIMADA Hiroyuki, Vice President and Representative Director of JCCU, addressed the gathering. Marking 81 years since the atomic bombing, he expressed a commitment to passing on the realities of the bombing and the desire for peace to future generations, while continuing efforts toward the realization of a world without war or nuclear weapons.

Mr. SUZUKI Shiro, Mayor of Nagasaki, attended as a guest, while Mr. MATSUI Kazumi, Mayor of Hiroshima, delivered a video message. Mr. TANAKA Terumi, Co-Chairperson of Nihon Hidankyo, also delivered a commemorative lecture. The gathering concluded with reports on peace activities by local young people and a choral performance expressing hopes for peace.