Remembering Hiroshima 80 years on

Commemorations were held in Hiroshima, Japan, on 6th August to mark 80 years since the first atomic bomb to be used in conflict destroyed the city. Three days later, a second bomb was dropped by US forces on Nagasaki, bringing the number of lives lost in both strikes to 150,000.

On 15th August 1945, Japan surrendered, finally bringing the Second World War to an end. Supporters of the bombings believe they accelerated the end of conflict with fewer casualties. However, critics question if the bombs were necessary at all, accusing those responsible of crimes against humanity.

In the days, months and decades since, a further 100,000 people have lost their lives due to burns, radiation and cancers, with survivors still suffering today. The bombs also created a widespread desire to avoid nuclear war in future.

As the formal ceremonies of commemoration concluded, people gathered to release lanterns on the Motoyasu river. Written on each was a prayer for the dead and a wish for the living, including one from musician Jasmine Smith, from Hawaii.

Jasmine Smith: "My wish would kind of just be, you know, we are the younger generation and we are the ones who are gonna be taking care of this world as it goes on. So my hope is that we as a generation can kind of fix everything that's come before us and restore that peace that everyone is gathering today for."

The Mayor of Hiroshima, Kazumi Matsui used the day to appeal to the world's most powerful nations to abandon nuclear arms. He also encouraged the young to recognise the "inhumane consequences" of the nuclear option for their futures. The message isn't lost on Polish student Jakub Dziadkiewicz.

Jakub Dziadkiewicz: "Yes it is - that's a powerful message, what's been happening here eighty years ago. And millions of deaths should remind us that there shouldn't be war. And I just wish for peace, not only for these places, but everywhere else." View Less