Disney Tweets 'Congrats' on Anniversary of Nagasaki

Walt Disney Japan apologized today after a tweet sent from its corporate Twitter account wished readers "congratulations on a not special day" on the 70th anniversary of the US atomic bombing of Nagasaki. The company offered "deep apologies for causing discomfort," saying it would take care to manage the Twitter account more carefully. In English, the tweet sent yesterday conveyed "A very merry unbirthday to you!" from a song in the Disney film Alice in Wonderland.

The Japanese translation described the day as "not special," prompting sharp criticism. "Why are you offering congratulations, Disney-san?" said one. Japan holds solemn ceremonies each year to mourn the more than 74,000 people killed in the bombing of Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945, three days after the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Japan surrendered on Aug. 15, ending World War II.