As we approach the solemn anniversaries of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings this August, the world reflects once again on peace, memory, and the immense human cost of nuclear warfare. To honour this history and deepen our understanding of a lesser-known chapter of the tragedy, the Australian Cardijn Institute (ACI) is hosting a significant upcoming webinar.
On Thursday, 23 July 2026, at 7:00 pm AEST, ACI invites the public to a special online lecture featuring Associate Professor Maika Nakao of Hiroshima University: “Exploring the deep Christian roots of Nagasaki and its response to the atomic bombing.”
A Heritage Shattered in an Instant
Nagasaki has occupied a unique place in the history of Christianity in Japan for more than four centuries. From the arrival of the first missionaries in the sixteenth century, through centuries of brutal persecution and the remarkable survival of the Hidden Christians, to the rebirth of the Catholic community in the nineteenth century, the city’s Christian heritage is profound.
That history reached its darkest moment on 9 August 1945. When the atomic bomb exploded over the Urakami Valley, it destroyed Urakami Cathedral—the largest Catholic church in East Asia at the time—and devastated the heart of Japan’s largest Catholic community.
Faith, Memory, and the Witness for Peace
Drawing on her extensive research into the history of nuclear science, memory, and post-war Japan, Dr Nakao will examine how Nagasaki’s Christian community responded to this catastrophe. The lecture will explore how faith shaped the ways survivors remembered, interpreted, and rebuilt their lives after the bombing, offering a powerful look at the intersection of religion, history, and social resilience.
As the world marks another anniversary of the atomic bombings, this webinar considers the continuing significance of Nagasaki’s witness for peace in our modern world. It promises to be a fascinating presentation for anyone interested in Christian history, peace studies, and Japanese social history.
Event Details
- Topic: Exploring the deep Christian roots of Nagasaki and its response to the atomic bombing
- Speaker: Associate Professor Maika Nakao (Hiroshima University)
- Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
- Time: 7:00 pm AEST
You can register for the session directly via the Zoom Registration Link.
For more details, visit the official Australian Cardijn Institute announcement.