Hiroshima renews call for peace, 80 years after atomic bombing

Police in riot gear march past the Atomic Bomb Dome (back L) as they secure the area a day ahead of ceremonies to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bombing, in the city of Hiroshima, Hiroshima prefecture on 5 August 2025. AFP - RICHARD A. BROOKS

Japan this week marks 80 years since the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, bringing World War II to an end. For the first time, Hiroshima has opened its memorial ceremony to all countries, including representatives from Taiwan and the Palestinian Authority.

The US bomber Enola Gay dropped the first bomb on Hiroshima on 6 August 1945. Nicknamed "Little Boy", it exploded about 600 metres above the city, with a force equal to 15,000 tonnes of TNT.