The first atomic bomb 80 years on - 26th August 2025

Services which took place in Hiroshima on 6th August remembered the first time an atomic bomb was used in war, 80 years ago. Together with the bomb which fell on Nagasaki three days later, the attacks caused 150,000 deaths.

On 15th August 1945, Japan gave up fighting and the Second World War finally came to an end. Those who support the nuclear attacks believe that the war was ended more quickly and that this saved lives. However, those who are against nuclear war consider them illegal actions.

In the days, months and years since the two bombs, another 100,000 people have died as a result of bomb-related burns, radiation and cancer. Some survivors today have been living with illnesses for 80 years. The lessons from Hiroshima and Nagasaki also warn people against nuclear war.

After the ceremonies had ended, people carried lanterns to the Motoyasu River. These lanterns, which had prayers and messages of hope written on them, were then placed on the river. One was from musician Jasmine Smith, who's 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."

Hiroshima's mayor, Kazumi Matsui, called on countries to cancel their nuclear defence programmes. In addition, Matsui spoke directly to young people, who should think carefully about how nuclear bombs would cause terrible future suffering. Polish student Jakub Dziadkiewicz reacted to what he'd heard.

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."