Walt Disney Japan apologized on Monday after a tweet sent from its corporate Twitter account wished readers “congratulations on a not special day” on the 70th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki.
The company on Monday offered “deep apologies for causing discomfort,” saying it would take care to manage the Twitter account more carefully.
In English, the tweet sent Sunday 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 from readers who questioned the timing of the tweet. “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 Augusy 9, 1945, three days after the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.
Japan surrendered on August 15, ending World War II.
