Investigating the legacy of Nagasaki and Hiroshima

Investigating the Legacy of Nagasaki and Hiroshima

Visiting the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan is a very moving experience. Not only are these cities beautiful and vibrant, but they are also full of remarkable and heartbreaking reminders of the atomic bombings that took place there in 1945. The devastating consequences of this event still reverberate today, and on a visit to these cities, it's impossible to ignore their historical significance.

The atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima have left an indelible mark on worldwide consciousness, and the effects of those bombings are still felt in the two cities. It's hard not to be profoundly moved by visiting both Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as the reminders and memorials of the bombings coexist with the present life of the cities. We were having a BBQ on a rooftop while it was pouring rain and while we got extremely wet, I was lucky enough to get some beautiful photos of the city’s glow and everyone still had fun.
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Hiroshima

On August 6, 1945, the city of Hiroshima was forever changed when the atomic bomb, codenamed "Little Boy," was dropped by the US Air Force. The bomb resulted in 150,000 deaths and the destruction of much of the city. Despite the devastation, today Hiroshima is a thriving city that has become a symbol of peace and resilience.

First time visitors to Hiroshima are often overwhelmed by the Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome, both of which are significant landmarks. The Peace Memorial Museum contains an abundance of information and artifacts which bear witness to the events of 1945 and educate visitors on the history of the city. The Atomic Bomb Dome, located nearby, is the skeletal remains of an auditorium which was located in the hypocenter of the bombing and miraculously escaped almost complete destruction.

When visiting Hiroshima, it's impossible not to be moved and inspired by the city's experience of tragedy and resurrection, and its subsequent commitment to the promotion of peace and anti-war activism. Kyoto
Victoriano Izquierdo @ Unsplash

Nagasaki

Just three days after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 9, 1945, the city of Nagasaki was hit by an atomic bomb, this one an implosion bomb codenamed "Fat Man" by the US Air Force. The death toll in Nagasaki was even higher than in Hiroshima, as nearly 80,000 people were killed in the attack.

Today Nagasaki stands as a testament to resilience and perseverance in the face of tragic loss. One of the most moving places in the city is the Nagasaki Peace Park. Located in the Urakami Valley, which was the epicenter of the bombing, the Peace Park bears witness to the devastating effects of the event and promotes peace and understanding through its various memorials, monuments and sculptures.

The Peace Park also contains the Nagasaki Hypocenter Park, which features a sculpture marked by a timepiece set to 11:02am – the exact time the bomb was dropped. Visiting this park and standing in the presence of what happened there can be both awe-inspiring and utterly heartbreaking.

Investigating the Legacy of Nagasaki and Hiroshima

The cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki embody an enduring spirit and remind us of the tragedy of war as well as the hope for future peace. By visiting both cities and learning more about their experiences, it's possible to further understand the legacies of atomic bombings and their devastating effects. The atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima still have a profound impact on the modern world and visiting the cities is a reminder of the consequences of war and its lasting influence.

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