Emotional tributes filled the air in Hiroshima as survivors, officials, and global representatives gathered to mark the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing that devastated the city during World War II.
The sombre ceremony, held at the Peace Memorial Park, included a moment of silence at 8:15 am—the exact time the bomb detonated on August 6, 1945, killing an estimated 140,000 people.
A Call for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament
Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui delivered a powerful speech urging world leaders to abandon nuclear weapons, stating, "The horrors of nuclear war must never be repeated." He emphasised the growing threat of nuclear proliferation amid global tensions.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also attended, reaffirming Japan's commitment to a nuclear-free world. "We must ensure that future generations never experience such suffering," he declared.
Survivors Share Their Stories
Several hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) shared their harrowing experiences. "I saw people with melted skin begging for water," recalled one elderly survivor. Many expressed frustration over slow progress in nuclear disarmament.
The ceremony concluded with the release of doves and lanterns floating along the Motoyasu River—a symbolic gesture for peace.
