In June 2026, Nagasaki City Mayor Shiro Suzuki took the stage at a lecture held at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (FCCJ) in Yurakucho, Tokyo.

The New York Times, a leading American newspaper, publishes an annual list of "52 Places to Go." In the 2026 edition, Nagasaki and Okinawa were selected from Japan, with Nagasaki being the 17th place featured. Furthermore, it was ranked 5th in the readers' vote, attracting global attention.

At the beginning of his speech, Mayor Suzuki stated, "Nagasaki has developed as a gateway connecting Japan and the world. Nagasaki has World Heritage sites and beautiful scenery. However, I don't think it was chosen solely for those reasons."

"Nagasaki has a history of exchange, a desire for peace, and the lives of its people. I think it's these individual stories that have been appreciated. In this day and age, more and more travelers are not just looking at famous tourist spots, but are finding value in the background and stories that a place holds. In that sense, I think Nagasaki is a very attractive city."

The mayor analyzed the reason for the selection, stating that it wasn't just the abundance of tourist resources that were appreciated worldwide, but the "story" itself, encompassing the history, culture, and lives of the people that thrive there.

A port city open to the world has fostered the DNA of multicultural coexistence.

When discussing Nagasaki, the history of international exchange centered around Dejima is indispensable.

During the Edo period, when Japan pursued a policy of national isolation, Nagasaki was the only window open to the West. Dejima, in particular, functioned as a trading hub with the Netherlands, becoming an important place for the influx of people, goods, culture, and knowledge from overseas.

As a result, Nagasaki developed a unique culture that blended Japanese, Chinese, and European influences.

"In Nagasaki, Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch cultures have blended together to form a unique culture known as 'Wa-Ka-Ran (Japanese-Chinese-Dutch) culture.' This history of embracing diverse values ​​is Nagasaki's greatest asset."

This coexistence of different cultures is clearly reflected in the streetscape of Nagasaki. A church sits at the top of a cobblestone slope, and nearby are temples and traditional Japanese buildings. This landscape, where Japanese, Western, and Chinese elements coexist naturally, is extremely rare even within Japan.

"Looking back at Nagasaki's history, people with different cultures, religions, and values ​​have coexisted. That experience still holds great significance in today's world."

The mayor continued:

"While division is a global issue, Nagasaki is a city that has developed through exchange. The value of accepting differences and living together is surely necessary for society going forward."

The gentleness and tolerance one perceives in the people of Nagasaki are likely a product of this accumulated history.

A unique landscape often referred to as "Japan's San Francisco"

Nagasaki's appeal isn't limited to its culture.

With its unique topography—mountains surrounding the harbor and houses built on their slopes—it is often referred to as "Japan's San Francisco."

"The cityscape stretching from the harbor to the mountains is a unique Nagasaki landscape. Because the sea and mountains are so close together, you can encounter different scenery with every step you take."

From the harbor views from Glover Garden to the nightscapes overlooking Mt. Inasa, and the exotic atmosphere of the Higashiyamate and Minamiyamate areas, Nagasaki is a compact city where diverse faces are condensed into one place.

"Nagasaki isn't as large as a major metropolis, but that means people are closer to the city. I think it's a city where you can discover its charm by taking a leisurely stroll."

Mission as a city affected by atomic bombings and a message of peace

In his speech, Mayor Suzuki also spoke about Nagasaki's role as a city affected by the atomic bomb.

On August 9, 1945, Nagasaki became the second city in human history to be hit by an atomic bomb.

"By the end of 1945, approximately 74,000 people had lost their lives, representing about one-third of the city's population. The survivors have continued to live with the effects of radiation and prejudice ever since."

However, Nagasaki overcame that tragedy and achieved reconstruction.

Shortly after the atomic bombing, the Nagasaki Kunchi festival (the autumn festival of Nagasaki's tutelary shrine, Suwa Shrine) was resumed, and in 1955, the Peace Memorial Statue was erected. Every year on August 9th, a Peace Memorial Ceremony is held, continuing to send a message of peace to the world.

Furthermore, Pope John Paul II visited Nagasaki in 1981, and Pope Francis visited in 2019, both appealing for the importance of faith and peace.

"Nagasaki is the last city in human history to suffer a nuclear attack. That is precisely why we have a responsibility to continue advocating for the abolition of nuclear weapons."

Mayor Suzuki himself visited New York to coincide with a conference related to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and sent a message to the international community.

"As the atomic bomb survivors continue to age, we must seriously consider what we can leave behind for future generations."

The mayor continued:

"Nagasaki's message is not just about its tragic history. It's a message for the future about how humanity can build peace through that experience."

"There are things that cannot be conveyed through numbers and policies alone. Videos and stories have the power to move people's hearts. That's why we continue to communicate in various forms."

A tourism strategy that prioritizes quality over quantity.

The mayor presented a clear vision for tourism policy.

"We don't intend to pursue tourist numbers alone. It's meaningless if it comes at the expense of the local way of life."

While overtourism is a problem in places like Kyoto, Nagasaki still has plenty of room to accommodate more visitors. However, its goal is not simply to increase the number of visitors, but to shift towards high-value-added tourism.

"What we prioritize is helping each and every traveler experience Nagasaki on a deeper level."

Nagasaki City is strengthening its approach to the European, American, and Australian markets.

"Travelers from Europe, North America, and Australia tend to stay longer and spend more money in the region. We want them to enjoy the culture and food while staying for two or three nights, or even longer, rather than just taking day trips."

Another symbol of Nagasaki tourism is Hashima Island, commonly known as "Battleship Island," which is registered as a World Cultural Heritage site.

This island, which once prospered from its underwater coal mines and played a vital role in Japan's modernization, is now a popular tourist destination attracting many visitors from both within Japan and abroad.

"Battleship Island embodies both the light and shadow of Japan's modernization. I believe its greatest value lies in being able to experience that history firsthand."

Nagasaki is home to areas that were damaged by the atomic bomb and areas that escaped damage due to their topography and weather conditions.

"Nagasaki is a city where you can truly feel the preciousness of peace. It is also a place that gives you an opportunity to learn about the past and think about the future."

The history of international exchange is also alive in our food culture.

Nagasaki's charm is also strongly reflected in its food culture.

Castella, which originated from the sugar culture introduced through Dejima, is known as a representative confection of Nagasaki.

Furthermore, Nagasaki's unique food culture includes dishes like champon and sara udon, which are influenced by Chinese culture, as well as shippoku cuisine, which fuses Japanese, Western, and Chinese influences.

"Nagasaki's food culture is a reflection of its history of international exchange. Both champon and shippoku cuisine were born from the intersection of diverse cultures."

Furthermore, the mayor introduced "Nagasaki Sashimi Shabu" as a new local specialty.

"First, you enjoy it as sashimi, then as shabu-shabu, and finally, you savor the noodles in the flavorful broth. It's a dish that allows you to fully enjoy the abundant seafood of Nagasaki."

The waters off Nagasaki are blessed with abundant fishing grounds throughout the year.

"Nagasaki's seas are incredibly rich, and high-quality seafood is available all year round. I believe you'll be thoroughly satisfied even if you visit solely for the food."

At the end of his speech, Mayor Suzuki reiterated his vision for the future of Nagasaki.

"Nagasaki is not a city that can be described solely by its past history. New attractions are emerging even now, and it continues to evolve towards the future."

And finally, he made this appeal.

"I sincerely hope you will visit Nagasaki and experience the culture, food, and spirit of peace that this city has nurtured. I hope that your time in Nagasaki will lead to new discoveries and learning experiences."

Now attracting global attention, Nagasaki is embarking on a new stage as a city that connects the past and the future. It holds potential not only as a tourist destination, but also as a model for sustainable regional growth.