(On August 6, 1945, the US Army dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing an estimated 140,000 people. On August 9, the second bomb hit Nagasaki, killing about 70,000 more. Japan officially surrendered on August 15, 1945, marking the end of the war, Kyoda News reported on Monday.
Every year, the city holds a memorial that laments its victims and prays for lasting peace.
The record 120 countries, regions and the EU are expected to attend the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima’s US atomic bomb. Russia will be absent again, but allied Belarus will be taking part in the first time in four years after Hiroshima lifted the ban in both countries due to the Russian-Ukraine war.
Representatives from the US, UK, France and India will be present, but Palestine and Taiwan, which are not recognized by Japan, will be participating for the first time. China, Pakistan and North Korea are not planning to participate in the event.
Mayor Matsui points out the growing global awareness of the city’s history, referring to 2.26 million museum visitors over the past year.
“As the first city to experience nuclear destruction… we aim to share it worldwide. “The spirit of Hiroshima is hoping to promote realization of true peace and awareness of peace,” Matsui told Kyoda News.
MA/PR