Japanese media focused on Takaichi's choice of words, noting that previous prime ministers had explicitly referred to maintaining the principles in the future, while her remarks were framed in the present tense.

Asked about revisions to Japan's National Security Strategy, National Defence Strategy and Defence Buildup Programme, Takaichi said discussions were ongoing and declined to prejudge their outcome.

"There is no change in viewing the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as our policy course," she added.

The principles commit Japan to not possessing or producing nuclear weapons and not allowing their entry into Japanese territory. Takaichi has previously questioned the third principle.

Her remarks came as Hiroshima marked 81 years since the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the city during World War II, killing around 140,000 people.

On August 6, the Enola Gay dropped a uranium bomb dubbed “Little Boy” on Hiroshima; three days later, Bockscar carried a plutonium weapon nicknamed “Fat Man” to Nagasaki. These were the first and so far only nuclear weapons used in war, and they killed tens of thousands of people instantly while ushering in the nuclear age.

According to the Atomic Heritage Foundation, Little Boy was a gun‑type device that used highly enriched uranium and weighed about 9,700 pounds . It was ten feet long and delivered an explosive force equivalent to 15,000 tons of TNT.

The bomb was dropped over Hiroshima at 8:15 a.m. on August 6, 1945, by the B‑29 Enola Gay, piloted by Col. Paul Tibbets. The immediate blast and firestorm levelled much of the city.

A summary from History.com notes that the explosion instantly killed an estimated 80,000 people, and tens of thousands more later died from radiation exposure. Three‑quarters of the buildings in Hiroshima were destroyed. It was the first time a nuclear weapon had been used in combat, and Japan’s leaders were stunned by its destructive power.

The second mission almost targeted the city of Kokura, but heavy cloud cover forced the crew to divert to Nagasaki. Fat Man, the plutonium implosion‑type bomb, was larger and more complex than Little Boy. The Atomic Heritage Foundation lists its weight at 10,800 pounds, with a 10-foot-8-inch length and a 60‑inch diameter.

Its plutonium core weighed roughly 13.6 pounds, was surrounded by 5,300 pounds of high explosives, and delivered a blast equivalent to 21,000 tons of TNT. On August 9, 1945, Bockscar—piloted by Maj. Charles Sweeney with Cdr. Frederick Ashworth as weaponeer—dropped Fat Man on Nagasaki.

The devastation was again horrific. History.com estimates that about 40,000 people died immediately, and many more succumbed to injuries and radiation in the following months. Combined, the bombings obliterated two cities and left survivors with severe burns, radiation sickness and long‑term health problems. The National Archives describes them as “the first instances of atomic bombs used against humans,” killing tens of thousands and contributing to the end of World War II.

U.S. leaders at the time argued that deploying atomic bombs would compel Japan’s surrender and avert a costly invasion. The National Security Archive notes that many in Washington hailed the bombings for bringing the Pacific war to a rapid close and saving American lives.

Yet historians and ethicists have since challenged that interpretation. The same National Security Archive commentary stresses that Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain emblematic of the dangers and human costs of nuclear warfare. The bombings triggered moral debates about targeting civilians and helped launch a nuclear arms race.

Japan’s Emperor Hirohito, citing the power of “a new and most cruel bomb,” announced his country’s unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945history.com. The formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri on September 2 ended World War II.

Documents preserved by the National Archives trace the development of the Manhattan Project, the decision to use the bombs and their aftermath, highlighting how these events continue to shape international relations.

In a landmark decision, 54.3% of Italians voted in favour of establishing a republic, bringing an end to the reign of the House of Savoy and setting the stage for the birth of modern Italy.

The referendum was the first national vote in which Italian women were enfranchised, marking a milestone for democracy and gender equality. The vote was conducted against the backdrop of World War II’s devastation and the collapse of Mussolini’s fascist regime, a period marked by a deep desire for national renewal.

The Northern and Central parts of Italy such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Piedmont and Lombardy overwhelmingly favoured a republic, with some provinces reaching over 80% support, while Southern Italy and the islands: Sicily, Calabria and Campania displayed strong monarchist support, with votes exceeding 60% in some areas.

This regional divide reflected historical, economic, and cultural factors, including the monarchy’s longstanding ties to the South and the North’s embrace of modernist and anti-fascist sentiments.

The northern provinces—such as Veneto (85%) and Piedmont (85%)—delivered a decisive vote for the republic, reflecting the region’s industrial base and active resistance during the war .

On the other hand, regions like Campania (40.6%), Calabria (39.7%), and Sicily (39.0%) saw monarchist majorities, highlighting the South’s conservative leanings and the monarchy’s influence in the region.

The final tally was:

The 1946 referendum was more than a political choice; it represented a catharsis for a nation emerging from dictatorship, war, and occupation. It laid the groundwork for the Italian Republic, which was formally proclaimed on June 18, 1946, and culminated in the adoption of the Italian Constitution in 1948.

This transition also marked the end of the Savoy monarchy’s rule, with King Umberto II leaving Italy in exile.

Salazar's political career began in 1926 when he was appointed Minister of Finance under a military-led government . His reputation for financial prudence and economic stabilization earned him widespread recognition. In 1932, he ascended to the position of Prime Minister, solidifying his authority and shaping Portugal's political landscape for nearly four decades.

The Estado Novo Regime

Under Salazar's leadership, Portugal transitioned into an authoritarian state marked by strict political control , censorship, and opposition repression. The Estado Novo emphasised nationalism and corporatism, seeking to maintain social order through a hierarchical and state-controlled economic structure. A central tenet of his governance was "Portugalidade," a policy promoting the country's cultural and historical identity while reinforcing colonial rule over African and Asian territories.

He prioritised economic stability, advocating for fiscal conservatism and protectionist policies . His administration implemented a series of infrastructure projects, state-owned enterprises, and agricultural reforms aimed at fostering self-sufficiency. While these measures contributed to economic growth and stability, critics argue that his rigid economic policies stifled modernization and limited Portugal's industrial development.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

During World War II, Salazar maintained Portugal’s official neutrality, although his government maintained economic and diplomatic ties with the Allies and Axis powers. Post-war, Portugal became a founding member of NATO and later joined the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), reflecting its strategic position in Western geopolitics. However, Salazar's staunch defence of Portugal’s colonial empire increasingly isolated the country on the international stage, particularly during the decolonization movements of the mid-20th century.

Legacy and Impact

Salazar’s legacy remains a subject of debate. Supporters credit him with ensuring economic stability and preventing Portugal from being drawn into major conflicts. However, his authoritarian rule, suppression of civil liberties, and resistance to democratic reforms have been widely condemned. The Estado Novo persisted until 1974 when the Carnation Revolution led to its collapse and the establishment of a democratic government.

Following a stroke in 1968 that left him incapacitated, Salazar was replaced as Prime Minister by Marcelo Caetano. He remained unaware of his removal from office until his death on July 27, 1970.