Hiroshima Marks 80 Years Since Atomic Bombing with Solemn Ceremony

Japan observed a moment of silence on Wednesday morning to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, a pivotal and tragic moment in world history.

The ceremony, held at the Peace Memorial Park, was attended by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui, and representatives from across the globe. The event honored the victims of the bombing and renewed calls for nuclear disarmament.

Mayor Matsui, addressing the gathering, warned of a rising global trend in military expansion and reliance on nuclear deterrence. “This accelerating trend toward military build-up and the notion that nuclear weapons are essential for national defense show a flagrant disregard for the lessons we should have learned from the tragedies of history,” he said.

On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing over 200,000 people—many in the initial blast and countless others from radiation-related illnesses in the following weeks and months. A second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki three days later. These bombings led to Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II.

The devastating impact of the bombings continues to shape the lives of survivors, known as hibakusha.

One such survivor, Shingo Naito, recounted his harrowing experience to the BBC. “My father was badly burned and blinded by the blast. His skin was hanging from his body—he couldn’t even hold my hand,” he said. Mr. Naito, who was just six years old at the time, lost his father and two younger siblings in the attack.

Today, he shares his story with younger generations. A group of students in Hiroshima is currently transforming his memories into art, ensuring that the legacy of the tragedy—and its call for peace—is never forgotten.