Hiroshima marks 80 years since world’s first atomic bombing

Today, Japan and the world commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, a pivotal moment in history that marked the beginning of the nuclear age and the end of World War II.

On August 6, 1945, at 8:15 AM, a U.S. B-29 bomber dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The blast killed tens of thousands instantly, and by the end of that year, the death toll had reached approximately 150,000 due to radiation exposure and injuries.

Just three days later, another bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, leading to Japan’s surrender and the conclusion of World War II.

Even eight decades later, the impact is far from over. Survivors — known as Hibakusha — continue to deal with radiation-related illnesses, including cancer and severe physical disabilities.

“As a child, I was very weak. I suffered a stroke and developed a brain tumor. I’ve had two surgeries for breast cancer,” shared one survivor.

Another said: “When the bomb fell, I was in this very house. One of us survived and now lives in Tokyo. The others didn’t make it.”

Some have undergone multiple surgeries due to cancer.

“I’ve had six operations. I’ve lost count of my hospital visits,” one woman told local media.

Around 20% of those who died in Hiroshima were Korean residents, many of whom had been forcibly brought to Japan under colonial rule. Over 140,000 Koreans lived in Hiroshima at the time.

In 1949, Hiroshima was officially designated a City of Peace, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was established. Every year, thousands gather to honor the victims and promote nuclear disarmament.

This year’s memorial drew global attention, with peace activists, world leaders, and local citizens calling for a renewed commitment to peace amid rising global tensions.

International experts warn that the risk of nuclear conflict remains real. Ongoing wars — including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Hamas-Israel clashes, Iran’s nuclear tensions, and India-Pakistan rivalry — are fueling fears of another potential catastrophe.

“I worry history will repeat itself,” said one Hiroshima resident. “Look at Europe. Any moment could ignite something worse. If the U.S. doesn’t act to de-escalate global tensions, things will spiral.”

Despite the catastrophic consequences, the United States has never issued a formal apology for the bombings. Many Japanese still view this as a deep wound yet to be acknowledged by Washington.

As Hiroshima reflects on one of humanity’s darkest hours, the message from survivors remains as urgent as ever: "Never again."