Hiroshima Day on 6 August 2020

Annually 6th August is observed as Hiroshima Day in the remembrance of the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima. American B-29 bomber on August 6, 1945, during the second world war dropped world’s first deployed atomic bomb over Hiroshima in Japan. This bomb attack was done in the motive to end the Second World War in 1945. This day is remembered to promote peace and spread awareness about the danger of nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. Read the complete article to know everything about the day and reason behind the attack. 

History of Hiroshima Day

During the 2nd World War which was active in 1939- 1945, the world’s first deployed an atomic bomb with more than 9000 pound uranium-235 was loaded and US B-29 bomber aircraft, the Enola Gay attacked the Japanese city of Hiroshima on 6th August 1945. The explosion was so huge that it immediately killed 70,000 people wiping 90% of the city and later on around 10,000 people died due to the effect of radiation exposure. 

Within the gap of 3 days, i.e. on 9th August 1945, another bomb was dropped on Nagasaki killing around 40,000 people within seconds. After these two huge attacks, on 15th August Japan surrender itself in the World War-II which was itself announced by Japan’s Emperor Hirohito who cites the devastating the power of a new and most cruel bomb.

Why this attack was done?

The second World War was between Japan and US America & its allies which includes Britain and the Soviet Union. In the early days, Japan was losing the war and was attacked for so many years. Later on, Japan tied up with China and attacked America. Many soldiers were killed daily and to stop this loss, US President Harry S Truman permitted the nuclear bombing in order to let Japan surrender and end up the war. Another objective of ending the war was to avoid an invasion of Japan through the land and avoid Union Soviet to occupy Japan as stated by some historians. 

Side effects of the attack

The atomic attack left behind many side effects among the survivors including leukaemia, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and various other cancers were observed at a higher spike after this attack. Higher rates of miscarriage and infant deaths were observed in the pregnant woman due to the radiation explosion. The children who born after the attack were observed with disabilities, impaired growth, and increased predisposition towards many forms of cancer. 

Scientists revealed that the effect of the radiations will remain in the environment for decades harming the living beings in many forms. 

How Hiroshima Day is observed in Hiroshima?

The city of Hiroshima consoles the victims of the attack by holding a Peace Memorial Ceremony and pray for the long-lasting realization of world peace. This ceremony is held in the front of the Memorial Cenotaph in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park where the families of the deceased and people over the world participate in the event. The first ceremony was observed on 6th August 1947. The Prime Minister speaks for the peace and at 8:15 am people mark the exact moment when the atomic bomb was dropped in the city. In the evening, Peace Message Lantern Floating Ceremony is held where people write peace messages on the lantern and afloat them down in the Motoyasu River. Around 10,000 lanterns can be observed floating in the river on that day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Was Japan aware of the attack beforehand?

US dropped warning leaflets in Japan but only after attacking Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  

Q. Was the Nuclear attack necessary?

No the bombing was unnecessary, it left its long-lasting impact on the survivors too.  

Q. Who permitted the permission for the attack?

That time US President Harry S Truman authorised the attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

Q. When did Japan surrender in the World War-II?

The atomic attack was done to make Japan surrender in the war. Earlier only one city Hiroshima was targeted, however, when Japan did not turn back, another bomb was dropped in Nagaski after which Japan accepted its defeat.

Q. Does the attack leave after effect?

Yes, the higher rate of different forms of cancers was observed, pregnant women were affected, newborns were observed with many disabilities, infants died due to the nuclear attack. Agricultural plants, aquatic life, and terrestrial life were also affected by the nuclear attack.