Hiroshima Day anniversary

On August 6, 2024, Hiroshima commemorated the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing, which killed an estimated 140,000 people and left long-lasting scars from radiation exposure. The day serves as a call for nuclear disarmament and global peace, with ceremonies attended by representatives from over 100 nations, including a moment of silence at 8:15 a.m., the time of the bombing. Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui emphasized the need for unity and dialogue to combat the growing reliance on nuclear deterrence amid current conflicts such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions in Gaza. The event drew criticism for inviting Israel, deemed a nuclear-armed state, while excluding Russia and Belarus, raising concerns about perceived double standards in peace advocacy. The commemoration also highlights the ongoing suffering of the hibakusha, the survivors of the bombings, who continue to advocate for a world free from nuclear weapons. As global tensions rise, the significance of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Day underscores the urgent need for collective action against nuclear proliferation.