Thousands gathered in solemn silence at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on Wednesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing that devastated the city during World War II. The event marked a pivotal moment in history—when the United States dropped the first-ever wartime nuclear bomb, “Little Boy,” on Hiroshima, killing tens of thousands.
At exactly 8:15 a.m.—the time of detonation—representatives from 120 countries and territories, including the U.S. and Israel, bowed their heads in remembrance of the victims. The bombing on August 6, 1945, claimed around 78,000 lives instantly. By the end of that year, the toll had risen to approximately 140,000 due to radiation exposure and injuries.
In his speech, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui warned against the global trend of nuclear proliferation. “Among the world’s political leaders, there is a growing belief that possessing nuclear weapons is unavoidable. This seriously undermines the frameworks built for peace-building,” he stated, urging leaders to visit Hiroshima and witness the consequences of nuclear warfare firsthand.
The ceremony comes at a time of rising geopolitical tensions, particularly between major nuclear powers like the U.S. and Russia—who collectively hold about 90% of the world’s nuclear arsenal. Matsui emphasized the urgency of disarmament and global cooperation for peace.
Despite Japan’s pacifist constitution and longstanding advocacy for nuclear disarmament, the country has not signed the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, drawing criticism from peace activists and survivors.
The number of atomic bomb survivors, known as hibakusha, continues to decline. This year marks the first time their population has fallen below 100,000. Many have faced lifelong stigma and discrimination, including concerns about genetic effects passed to their children.
Yoshikazu Horie, a 71-year-old visitor at the ceremony, reflected on the relevance of Hiroshima’s legacy in today’s world. “It feels more and more like history is repeating itself. Terrible things are happening in Europe and Asia. I have grandchildren—I want peace so they can live their lives happily,” he said.
As the world reflects on Hiroshima’s past, the call for a nuclear-free future grows louder.
