A website dedicated to all things film-related This year’s 12th edition of the Scary Movies festival at Film at Lincoln Center premiered Ari Aster’s extended version of “Midsommar” this past Saturday James Cameron has spent the past 25 years deeply involved with ‘Avatar,’ but he remains committed to eventually moving forward with “Ghosts of Hiroshima,” his next project outside the ‘Avatar’ universe Although ‘Hiroshima’ has been in development for some time, it’s just gained a bit of momentum — Deadline reports that Martin Sheen has signed on to narrate the audiobook “Ghosts of Hiroshima,” which Cameron will adapted to the screen Cameron has acquired the rights to Charles Pellegrino’s novel and intends to begin work on a “bold uncompromising theatrical film” as soon as the schedule allows following the completion of the Avatar sequels The book’s release coincides with the 80th anniversary of the 1945 atomic bombing The film adaptation will partly center on the real-life account of a Japanese man who lived through the Hiroshima bombing and endured the second nuclear blast there Pellegrino’s work incorporates firsthand testimonies from survivors along with insights from the emerging field of forensic archaeology “It’s a subject that I’ve wanted to do a film about that I’ve been wrestling with how to do it “I met Tsutomu Yamaguchi a survivor of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki He was handing the baton of his personal story to us I can’t turn away from it.” While visiting Yamaguchi Cameron and Pellegrino pledged to “pass on his unique and harrowing experience to future generations.” Hiroshima is poised to become Cameron’s first non-‘Avatar’ feature since 1997’s “Titanic.” He began developing the original ‘Avatar’ in 1999 it’s dominated his creative focus ever since Cameron will have devoted nearly three decades almost exclusively to the Avatar franchise by 2027 That’s not to suggest the time was wasted—Cameron’s passion for the series is clear and the films have achieved remarkable box office success as someone who was captivated by the groundbreaking visual and visceral thrills of “The Terminator,” “Terminator 2: Judgement Day,” “Aliens,” and “Titanic,” I can’t help but feel eager for the arrival of this next film Early last year, Cameron shared his intention to film ‘Hiroshima’ before beginning work on ‘Avatar 4.’ Hopefully, that plan is still in motion, though he remains deeply involved in the post-production process. 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All the content you want and, oh, right, it’s free as we’ll certainly share updates on the film even if it takes a little longer than Cameron hopes to get in front of cameras The Playlist is a leading film and television website critical takes and more for the film community at large from moviegoers to entertainment industry players to the modern-day binge-happy viewer Growing in reach over the last eight years in all forms of destination traffic and social media our loyal audience looks to The Playlist as an ahead-of-the-curve tastemaker for celebrating both contemporary and new cinematic voices Contact us: [email protected] © Copyright - ThePlaylist.net All Rights Reserved Bitte aktiviere Javascript in deinem Browser und lade die Seite dann erneut SEITE NEU LADEN  Open navigationClose navigationHome All the major chapters in the American story from Indigenous beginnings to the present day Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander History History from countries and communities across the globe Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty images Approximately 80,000 people are killed as a direct result of the blast At least another 60,000 would be dead by the end of the year from the effects of the fallout the United States dropped two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki What happened to people on the fringes of the blasts warned by some of his advisers that any attempt to invade Japan would result in horrific American casualties ordered that the new weapon be used to bring the war to a speedy end If U.S. officials truly believed that they could use their atomic monopoly for diplomatic advantage, they had little time to put their plan into action. By 1949, the Soviets had developed their own atomic bomb and the nuclear arms race began. Marking the anniversary of the 1945 Hiroshima bombing, this special—told entirely from the first-person perspective of leaders, physicists, soldiers and survivors—provides a unique understanding of the most devastating experiment in human history. Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on August 6th In Philadelphia, delegates to the Constitutional Convention begin debating the first complete draft of the proposed Constitution of the United States. The Articles of Confederation, ratified several months before the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781, provided for a loose confederation of U.S. states, which were sovereign in most of their affairs. On paper, Congress—the […] In an ominous sign of the troubles to come, the Donner Party finds a note warning the emigrants that their expected route through the mountains ahead is nearly impassable. The Donner Party had left Springfield, Illinois, three months earlier. Led by two wealthy brothers, Jacob and George Donner, the emigrants initially followed the regular California […] The C.S.S. Arkansas, the most feared Confederate ironclad on the Mississippi River, is blown up by her crew after suffering mechanical problems during a battle with the U.S.S. Essex near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Arkansas‘s career lasted just 23 days. In August 1861, the Confederate Congress appropriated $160,000 to construct two ironclad ships for use […] On August 6, 1864, Union General Ulysses S. Grant meets with General Philip Sheridan at Monocacy Junction, Maryland, to give him his orders for his new role as commander of the Army of the Shenandoah. Those orders read, in part: “In pushing up the Shenandoah Valley…it is desirable that nothing should be left to invite […] At Auburn Prison in New York, the first execution by electrocution in history is carried out against William Kemmler, who had been convicted of murdering his lover, Matilda Ziegler, with an axe. Electrocution as a humane means of execution was first suggested in 1881 by Dr. Albert Southwick, a dentist. Southwick had witnessed an elderly […] Arthur Flegenheimer, who will go on to become one of New York’s most feared criminals under the name “Dutch Schultz,” is born in the Bronx. Thirty-three years later, his life came to a violent and bloody conclusion when he was shot down in the men’s room of the Palace Chophouse in Newark, New Jersey. After […] On August 6, 1911, Lucille Desiree Ball, one of America’s most famous redheads and beloved comic actresses, is born near Jamestown, New York. At age 15, Ball went to New York City to attend drama school and become an actress. However, she received little encouragement and was rejected multiple times from Broadway chorus lines. After […] On August 6, 1926, on her second attempt, 20-year-old Gertrude Ederle becomes the first woman to swim the 21 miles from Dover, England, to Cape Griz-Nez across the English Channel, which separates Great Britain from the northwestern tip of France. Ederle was born to German immigrants on October 23, 1905, in New York City. She […] Andy Warhol, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, is born Andrew Warhola in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Warhol was a major pioneer of the pop art movement of the 1960s who later outgrew that role to become a cultural icon, known as a frail and diminutive man with a shock of silver-blond hair. […] On August 6, 1930, New York Supreme Court judge Joseph Force Crater vanished on the streets of Manhattan near Times Square. The dapper 41-year-old’s disappearance launched a massive investigation that captivated the nation, earning Crater the title of “the missingest man in New York.” Born to Irish immigrants in 1889, Crater grew up in Pennsylvania and […] On August 6, 1965, President Lyndon Baines Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act, guaranteeing African Americans the right to vote. The bill made it illegal to impose restrictions on federal, state and local elections that were designed to deny the vote to Black people. Johnson assumed the presidency in November 1963 upon the assassination of […] The U.S. Army announces that Colonel Robert B. Rheault, Commander of the Fifth Special Forces Group in Vietnam, and seven other Green Berets have been charged with premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the summary execution of a Vietnamese national, Thai Khac Chuyen, who had served as an agent for Detachment B-57. Chuyen […] On August 6, 1996, NASA and Stanford researchers announce they have found signs of Martian life in a meteorite discovered 12 years earlier in Allan Hills, Antarctica, causing a worldwide sensation. But some viewed the announcement skeptically, and the Martian life connection was later debunked. A NASA spokesman initially called the evidence of fossilized, one-celled […] Learn why the holiday is so significant in Russia—and what distinguishes it from V-E Day. While the war raged overseas, soldiers and civilians worked furiously to protect the capital against rising waters. Many Allied bombings released the equivalent energy of 300 lightning strikes and temporarily weakened the ionosphere, say researchers. The Los Alamos Historical Museum halted a Japanese exhibition on the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki because of a controversy over its message of abolishing nuclear weapons. We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day Learn something new with key events in history from the American Revolution to pop culture you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States known for his work on Paper Towns and Robot & Frank a movie that consists of villains from around the universe joining together and forming a team It's essentially Marvel's Suicide Squad and Schreier couldn't be more excited about the upcoming film In a new interview with Collider he talked about the unexpected inspiration for The Void When asked about the design process and visual effects for the character Schreier was definitely excited and said he could “nerd out” regarding the topic and it started with Grace's references It definitely came from images from Hiroshima and those kinds of shadows It was this feeling that we want everything in the film not to feel like it's CG even if we have some of the best visual effects companies in the world doing a ton of work on this movie.” towards the end of World War II after Germany and Italy had been defeated had been working on a project to develop a nuclear bomb but the US was the first to successfully do so under the Manhattan Project The decision was between launching a full scale invasion of Japan The US chose the latter and the nuclear age began The nuclear Hiroshima shadows Schreier is referring to are below Schreier went on further to praise the work of the visual effects companies. “I don't want to give them short shrift. We did a lot. They did a lot. The way to make great effects is to marry those two things together. I think that with that effect, it's developed with ILM. If you spend any longer than a frame and a half of animation between when they disappear and when they become a shadow, anything longer than that starts to feel like you're getting into CG vapor territory. So, it has to be quick, but then you almost feel exposed because it seems so simple.” It sure sounds like Schreier is very appreciative and respectful towards the VFX companies’ work. It's nice to see, especially when VFX companies are frequently overworked and under appreciated. Are you excited for Thunderbolts*? Let us know in the comments! Your Ads Privacy ChoicesIMDb, an Amazon company© 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc. In August 1945, the United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, one on Hiroshima and one on Nagasaki. The bombings on these cities several days apart killed more than 210,000 and led to a lifetime of serious health issues for thousands of others. The devastating attack led to the end of World War II, when shortly afterward, Japanese Emperor Hirohito announced that Japan would surrender. As the 80th anniversary of the bombings approaches, there are a number of ways that Union will connect with this consequential moment in world history. These include movie screenings, guest speakers and course material across interdisciplinary offerings. “We are bringing science and humanities together in a powerful way to highlight a critical moment in our history,” said Jennifer Matsue, professor and chair of music, Asian studies and anthropology. She is helping coordinate all events. “We need to keep reminding people to be fully aware of the dangers of atomic weaponry at a time when we are experiencing heightened global conflict.” The first event is a free private screening for the campus community at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, of the documentary, “Okurimono” at Bowtie Movieland. The Canadian director, Laurence Lévesque, will host a Q & A after the screening. The film tells the story of Noriko Oi, who decides to reconstruct the past of her mother, Mitsuko, a survivor of the atomic bomb, in the hope of passing down her cultural heritage to her children and healing the dark reminiscences of a tragic past. “The film ‘Oppenheimer’ failed to transport audiences to the sites of devastation,” said organizer Jim de Sève, senior artist-in-residence, film studies, and co-director of the Film Studies program, sponsor of the event. “Okurimono does. And it does it with heart, civility and thoughtfulness.” Co-sponsors are Asian studies, the Templeton Institute and the departments of History and Music. Other films to be shown during winter term include “Gojira” in Matsue’s class, From Bombs to Buddhism: Fatalism, Technology and Modern Japanese Culture, and “Black Rain,” in Remembering World War II in Asia, a class taught by Joyce Madancy, professor of history. A 1954 classic by the director Ishiro Honda, “Gojira” is the original appearance by Godzilla and considered a metaphor for the end of World War II and the detonation of nuclear weapons onto Hiroshima and Nagasaki. “Black Rain” is a 1989 masterpiece from Shohei Imamura that centers on the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and its effect on a surviving family. Also, 1983’s “Barefoot Gen,” an animated film from director Mori Masaki, will be discussed in Madancy’s class and Japanese Manga and Anime, taught by Junko Ueno, professor of Japanese. The film “revolves around the life of 6-year-old Gen Nakaoka, who must grow up quickly due to the harsh reality of living through wartime food shortages and constant air raids in Hiroshima.” Zakuro-Daiko, the Japanese Drumming and Global Fusion Band, will premiere a new musical work commemorating the 80th anniversary of the bombings at its winter concert Friday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 1, at 1 p.m. in Emerson Auditorium in the Taylor Music Center The ensemble (whose name translates to Garnet Drums) was established in 2007 by Matsue to bring Japanese music and culture to life on campus. The group performs a type of Japanese ensemble drumming that is popular in Japan and throughout the world. In the spring, Joshua Pilzer, award-winning author of “Quietude: A Musical Anthropology of ‘Korea’s Hiroshima,’” will speak to students in Music and Trauma in World War II, a new class taught by Jin Byun, director of music performance. Details are being finalized. Union’s expansive focus on the anniversary of the bombings follows the awarding of last fall’s Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese group of atomic bomb survivors that was recognized for its efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons. Matsue acknowledged today’s students may not be aware of the first — and so far, only — wartime atomic bombings. But she believes it’s imperative to raise awareness of the dangers of nuclear war, in hopes of never repeating the atrocities of the past. “As educators, it’s important for us to get our students to think about that what’s happened in the past is relevant to what’s happening today,” she said. “That story can be told so much better through humanity.” (518) 388-6000 Admissions: (518) 388-6112 Martin Sheen is lending his legendary voice to a story that promises to be as haunting as it is historic and it’s all thanks to none other than James Cameron The Titanic director has tapped Sheen to narrate the audiobook version of Ghosts of Hiroshima This isn’t just any gig for Sheen — it’s a dream come true for Cameron who’s had this project on his radar for a whopping fifteen years “Martin Sheen is my dream come true to read this book for audio,” Cameron shared with Deadline “His voice-over narration for Apocalypse Now still haunts me he will give it the gravitas and humanity that it needs.” that means a non-Avatar project is finally coming into the frame The filmmaker has officially chosen Ghosts of Hiroshima as the basis for his next movie — his first non-blue-people film since Titanic ruled theaters back in 1997 Cameron is ready to dive in and bring this gripping story to the big screen promising what he calls an “uncompromising theatrical film.” The timing of Pellegrino’s book is no coincidence Its release aligns with the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing in 1945 The story at its core is truly jaw-dropping — it follows the real-life journey of a Japanese man who Ghosts of Hiroshima doesn’t just tell a powerful story; it unearths it With firsthand accounts from bomb survivors and cutting-edge forensic archaeology Cameron’s film — aims to capture history through the lens of science and human endurance With Martin Sheen bringing his iconic voice to the audiobook probably a few moments where you’ll just need to pause and take a deep breath Prince Harry close friend gives update on royal family’s stance on Harry’s reconciliation plea Lana Del Rey makes classy appearance at 2025 Met Gala without husband Jeremy Dufrene The Duchess of York makes an emotional appeal in new statement Kate Middleton’s youngest son gets passed down key position in the family Rihanna confirms her third pregnancy as she debuts baby bump at the Met Gala carpet Cardi B shows off transformation at Met Gala 2025 with new eye color and hairdo Copyright © 2025. The News International, All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Authors TDLC Technical Deep Dive participants visiting Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park accompanied by Mayor Kazumi Matsui the first thing that may come to mind is the devastation caused by the atomic bomb in 1945 Hiroshima's story is not just one of destruction but also of remarkable recovery and resilience The city's post-war reconstruction offers valuable lessons for urban development, particularly about land management and administration. That’s why Hiroshima was chosen to host the latest World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) Technical Deep Dive (TDD) The weeklong knowledge exchange workshop brought together land specialists from 10 low- and middle-income countries and a region to learn from Hiroshima and Japan’s expertise As cities around the globe grapple with land-related challenges stemming from rapid urbanization Hiroshima’s experience can teach us important lessons Urban land management and administration are the foundation for efficient urban development many developing countries face the challenge of rapid urbanization outpacing the maturity of their land administration systems focused on the foundational role of securing land tenure and access for climate action “The World Bank has launched recently an ambition to double our investments in land,” said Mika-Petteri Torhonen Lead Land Administration Specialist at the World Bank “That means that we will be engaging in more countries and cities with investments in land records That will impact how land is used across the world.” Hiroshima's post-war reconstruction is a compelling case study in both land administration and land management the atomic explosion in 1945 caused catastrophic damage to the Motomachi district which was where Hiroshima’s military facilities were concentrated While some temporary public housing was built afterwards to house the survivors Hiroshima still faced a severe housing shortage informal settlements sprung up along the city’s riverbanks The area’s redevelopment became an urgent municipal issue The Motomachi Redevelopment Project began in 1969, facilitated by the Hiroshima Peace City Construction Law This law provided special assistance from the national government including the transfer of federal military-use lands to the city and implementation of land readjustment to enable the construction of residential housing and civic facilities like the Hiroshima Central Library thousands of people moved from the informal settlements into new mid- and high-rise apartments constructed in and around Moto-machi finishing a massive postwar reconstruction project Hiroshima's experience offers several valuable lessons for modern cities facing similar urban land challenges: 1. Land readjustment – a practice known in Japanese as “Kukaku seiri” - was a key part of Hiroshima’s reconstruction land was redistributed among former owners after reserving space for green areas and roads such as the Peace Memorial Park and Peace Boulevard resulting in major changes to the city’s urban layout 2. Community involvement was a crucial element The city's recovery efforts involved significant community participation with the city and prefecture government working with landowners and the people who lived in Motomachi’s informal settlements to propose infrastructure and facility improvements and move them into new homes ensuring their needs and concerns were addressed 3. Comprehensive planning was a key aspect of Hiroshima's post-war recovery including elements like rooftop gardens and sports facilities This comprehensive approach ensured that the city's reconstruction was not just about rebuilding structures but also about creating a more livable and inclusive urban environment Towards a more peaceful and livable future the most important lesson we can learn from Hiroshima is the profound value of peace  As part of the workshop, participants visited Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park on the same day that the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo a group of atomic bomb survivors for their nuclear disarmament efforts The visit served as a reminder that peace is the bedrock of a more livable planet As cities around the world navigate the complexities of urbanization the lessons from Hiroshima's post-war reconstruction offer a roadmap for a more sustainable Please view the event photos here [NEW] TDLC publishes knowledge product "Overcoming Multiple Urban Crises: Lessons from the Reconstruction of Hiroshima" TDLC packages Japanese best practices in urban development in collaboration with our CPP partner cities This report examines Hiroshima’s recovery from the catastrophic impact of the atomic bomb exploring strategies for recover from multiple urban crises It highlights lessons applicable to other cities by analyzing Hiroshima's reconstruction process from short STAY CURRENT WITH OUR LATEST DATA & INSIGHTS The Hiroshima session of the “Hiroshima-ICAN Academy on Nuclear Weapons and Global Security” was held in Hiroshima City for four days from November 13 (Wed.) to November 16 (Sat.) the participants were divided into two groups to tour the monuments in Peace Memorial Park including the Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims and the Children’s Peace Monument and received explanations about how each monument was built and how the buildings in the park were used before Hiroshima Prefecture believes that as the hibakusha population ages the role of the next generation of young people will be crucial to the continued dissemination of the message of nuclear abolition and we emphasize that they be exposed to the reality of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima so that they can become the leaders of that next generation I hope that participants will deepen their knowledge of the reality of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima through many experiences including interaction with A-bomb survivors and visits to the Radiation Effects Research Foundation and come to their own conclusions about what each of them can do  Each participant will keep in mind what they have learned and felt in Hiroshima and each of them will present what they have learned in this program at tomorrow’s open session Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Martin Sheen has now signed on to narrate the audiobook version of Ghosts of Hiroshima which Cameron will be adapting for the big screen The film will detail the true story of a Japanese man who survived both Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear bombings "He was handing the baton of his personal story to us He last directed Avatar: The Way of Water in 2022 and next has Avatar: Fire and Ash and Avatar 4 in the pipeline Japanese officials marking 79 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Tuesday urged world leaders to stop relying on nuclear weapons as a deterrent and take immediate action towards their abolishment Doves fly over the cenotaph dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing during an annual ceremony marking the 79th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing CORRECTS TO 79TH NOT 78TH - A man places incense in front of the cenotaph dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing early in the morning before an annual ceremony marking the 79th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida prepares to lay a wreath at the cenotaph dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing during an annual ceremony marking the 79th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing People standing in front of the so-called Atomic Bomb Dome look towards the cenotaph where an annual ceremony is held to mark the 79th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks at a press conference in Hiroshima 2024 after he attended an annual ceremony marking the 79th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing TOKYO (AP) — Hiroshima officials urged world leaders Tuesday to stop relying on nuclear weapons as deterrence and take immediate action toward abolishment — not as an ideal but to remove the risk of atomic war amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and rising tensions in East Asia They commented as Hiroshima remembered its atomic bombing 79 years ago at the end of World War II Hidehiko Yuzaki said nuclear-armed nations and supporters of atomic deterrence “deliberately ignore .. the fact that once people invented a weapon they will surely be used again someday,” Yuzaki said in his address at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park “Nuclear weapons abolition is not an ideal to achieve far in the future it is a pressing and real issue that we should desperately engage in at this moment since nuclear problems involve an imminent risk to human survival,” he said Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui said Russia’s war on Ukraine and the worsening conflict between Israel and Palestinians are “deepening distrust and fear among nations” and reinforcing a view that use of force in settling conflict is unavoidable The atomic bomb dropped by the United States on Hiroshima on Aug A second bomb dropped three days later on Nagasaki killed 70,000 more ending World War II and Japan’s nearly half-century aggression in Asia About 50,000 people at the ceremony observed a minute of silence with the sound of a peace bell at 8:15 a.m. His critics say it is a hollow promise because Japan relies on the U.S nuclear umbrella for protection and has been rapidly expanding its military the United States and other regional allies have been stepping up security cooperation in response to a more assertive China and the growing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea Many survivors of the bombings have lasting injuries and illnesses resulting from the explosions and radiation exposure and have faced discrimination in Japan 106,823 survivors — 6,824 fewer than a year ago and now with an average age of 85.58 — are certified as eligible for government medical support according to the Health and Welfare Ministry including those who say they were victims of the radioactive “black rain” that fell outside the initially designated areas of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Hiroshima officials called on Kishida’s government to do more to provide support and address their wishes known as “hibakusha,” continue to push for a nuclear arms ban as they desperately campaign to have their effort kept alive by younger generations By Scott D. Sagan, Gina Sinclair | August 5 sit on the ground amid rubble and burnt trees the United States had dropped an atomic bomb on the city--three days later a second one was dropped on Nagasaki (Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images) This reduction in atomic bombing approval over time has been cited as evidence of a gradual normative change in public ethical consciousness, the acceptance of a “nuclear taboo” or what Brown University scholar Nina Tannenwald has called “the general delegitimation of nuclear weapons.” This common interpretation of US public opinion but most Americans remain supportive of the 1945 attacks albeit wishing that alternative strategies had been explored These conclusions can be clearly seen in the results of a new that asked a representative sample of Americans about their views on the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki examined alternative strategies for ending the war and provided follow-on questions to determine how the public weighs the costs and benefits of different strategies does not display an ethically based taboo against using nuclear weapons or killing enemy civilians but rather has a preference for doing whatever was necessary to win the war and save American lives and Emperor Hirohito was told he would not be subject to war crimes trials US public opinion in 2015 and 2024. A 2015 replication of the 1945 Roper poll found that 14.4 percent of Americans felt the United States should not have used atomic bombs at all that 31.6 percent thought a bomb should have been dropped in a demonstration strike on an unpopulated area but that almost no one (less than 3 percent) wanted to use more bombs before Japan had a chance to surrender we replicated the 1945 Roper poll again with a representative sample of 2,000 Americans on June 21 but then asked follow-on questions to help us determine what the public really meant when answering the survey Such follow-on questions are necessary to understand the public’s deeper set of commitments and preferences Did those opposing any use of the atomic bombs really support such a policy even if it meant ending the war without a Japanese government surrender Or would they support dropping the bomb if Japan did not surrender Would those who favor a demonstration strike today support bombing cities if the demonstration strike failed to compel Tokyo to surrender or did they oppose atomic attacks against Hiroshima and Nagasaki under all circumstances The percentage of respondents who said that the United States shouldn’t have used any atomic bombs at all increased from 4.3 percent in 1945 The percentage of respondents who preferred the demonstration strike option decreased from 31.6 percent to 20.9 percent But what do these trends reveal about US opinion Our follow-on questions were designed to measure the public’s true willingness to use nuclear weapons and kill enemy civilians The respondents who chose “we should not have used any atomic bombs at all” were reminded that there was no immediate Japanese surrender and were therefore prompted with this follow up question: “The United States has warned Japan that it may face ‘prompt and utter destruction’ if it does not accept ‘unconditional surrender,’ but the Japanese government refuses to surrender Which of the following options do you think the U.S less than half (45.8 percent) of respondents who said they favored not using any nuclear weapons then chose to end the war immediately and let Japan keep its government while 19.19 percent opted for the demonstration strike option and 10.5 percent chose to continue conventional bombing of Japanese cities until Japan surrenders The respondents who chose Option 2 (the demonstration strike option) in this follow-up question were then given another follow-on question to answer: “The U.S has dropped the first bomb on an unpopulated area but the Japanese government refuses to surrender Of the respondents who chose the demonstration strike option in this follow-on survey only 16.17 percent chose to end the war immediately and let Japan keep its government; 40.58 percent supported dropping one atomic bomb; and another 4.35 percent supported dropping two bombs 15.22 percent respondents wanted to continue conventional bombing of Japanese cities until the government in Tokyo surrendered Those who chose the demonstration strike option in the original polling question were also given a follow-on question: “The U.S the majority (64.45 percent) the respondents who chose the demonstration strike option in the original question 1 chose the option to drop one atomic bomb on one city and a second one on a city only if Japan didn’t surrender Almost 10 percent wanted to drop two bombs and 8.11 percent supported more conventional bombing attacks on Japanese cities when reminded of the Japanese refusal to surrender the strong majority (82.33 percent) of those who originally favored the demonstration strike then accepted nuclear or conventional attacks on Japanese cities The basic finding that over 36 percent of Americans said today that the United States should not have used any atomic bombs cannot reasonably be interpreted as an indication of a widespread nuclear taboo less than half of those respondents maintained that position after they were reminded (as was the case in 1945) that Japan had not accepted unconditional surrender prior to the atomic bomb attacks A second novel finding relates to the public’s willingness to attack cities and thereby violate the basic law of armed conflict and the just war principle of non-combatant immunity While only 41.3 percent of respondents were ultimately willing to use nuclear weapons against cities many other respondents favored continuing the conventional bombing of Japan Reasons given by respondents who had at first stated that they opposed nuclear attacks but then favored continued conventional bombing once reminded that Japan had not accepted unconditional surrender included: “Because if humane tactics don’t work then you gotta do what you Gotta do;” “Since they refuse to heed to the warning then they deserve war;” and “If Japan doesn’t surrender than it’s time to show them what we can do.” who posit that a decrease in willingness to use nuclear weapons is a result of broader acceptance of the just war principle of non-combatant immunity   ) But many responses in the 2024 Roper Poll revealed something else: a notable percentage of respondents (15.92 percent) cited their beliefs on the importance of US isolationism and avoiding any engagement in foreign affairs Respondents noted that the United States should “stop meddeling [sic] in other countries business and take care of poverty in their own home!” or that “the US spends too much time and energy on foreign affairs;” “I don’t know why we would care about japan’s government we need to focus on our own country.”  “I think we should stay out of other countries’ business.” “U.S interference is such war wasn’t necessary at all.” One respondent even argued: “We’ve spent a lot of funds meant for the nation and Americans on unnecessary external conflicts we should have stayed neutral as we did during the first world war.” such as protection of friendly forces or an increased likelihood of victory not through the deeply problematic instincts of the American public The Bulletin elevates expert voices above the noise. But as an independent nonprofit organization, our operations depend on the support of readers like you. Help us continue to deliver quality journalism that holds leaders accountable. Your support of our work at any level is important we promise our coverage will be understandable Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" would pale on the planned assaults of the main Japanese Islands If the purpose of the article is to shame us I suggest you acquaint yourself with Paul Fussell’s “Thank God for the Atom Bomb.” To ask these questions now or even many years after the end of WW II is not realistic for any number of reasons Second and so important: the Japanese were fighting to the death So if we had to invade Japan we would have lost a million more men we in America did not fully understand the total effect and long-term human cost of nuclear weapons We are sleep walking!… Read more » What gets lost in the atomic bombing of Japan is the daily death rate from starvation (Japan city firebombing where some bombing raids killed more people than the nuclear weapons and all of the other combat Any alternative option that delayed the fast decisive end to the war implies lots of dead people I suspect that if one asked China or Korea one would find almost universal agreement that atomic bombing of Japan was a great idea because it quickly ended the continuing bloodbath The Japanese Code of Bushido would not have allowed them to surrender unless they truly thought Japan would be annihilated Part of the change in opinion is that history is so poorly taught these days in the public schools and history at the university level starts off with “the US is responsible for every evil thing that’s ever happened in the world.” How many of us would not be here now if our ancestors were killed in the invasion of the Japanese home islands I really love how today’s “thinkers” apply their anti-military beliefs to… Read more » It is well documented that after the Battle of Leyte Gulf the Japanese were backed into a corner on their Homeland The Emperor declared that he would instruct that every man and child be trained and weaponized to fight the “American Savages” at every point as they arrived The US leaders concluded that they had already lost so many troops and marines ashore in Japan would be a virtual bloodbath They had the nukes and decided to end this unprovoked Pacific war at that time Mission accomplished and countless… Read more » The selection of the survey questions seems irrationally constrained While the option of a demonstration blast on a mountain top was certainly considered (as Jacob Brunovski later discussed with my parents) but was dismissed for its potential counter-productivity the prime alternative to a nuclear strike was of course a massive seaborne invasion Yet there are no survey questions reflecting that reality Had such questions been included in the survey along with the official projected casualty figures of subduing all hostile forces – around 600,000 allied troops and up to 6 million Japanese – respondents’ awareness would… Read more » Very disappointing to see handwaving arguments here about the militaristic Japanese and the supposed US invasion Most of Truman’s generals advised him not to do it Here is a sample of their views: The Japanese had in the defeat of Japan.— Fleet Admiral Chester W Pacific Fleet, [101]The use of [the atomic bombs] at Hiroshima and Nagasaki was of no material assistance in our war against Japan The Japanese were already defeated and ready to… Read more » When the United States dropped the atomic bombs on Japan we dropped the nuclear age on the entire world What most people don’t realize is how many Americans have suffered and died as a result of nuclear weapons (I was surprised to learn this when I began reading about nuclear history and policy several years ago.) This aspect of the story might change our perspective or at least give our opinions sturdier legs to stand on American perceptions of the bomb were shaped by the post-war public information campaign that is the basis for traditional nuclear history https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debate_over_the_atomic_bombings_of_Hiroshima_and_Nagasaki Gina Park Sinclair is a research assistant the Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) at Stanford University. She is a 2024... Read More Copyright © 2025 Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. All rights reserved. Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 36-2136497 Terms of UsePrivacy Policy documents showed Tuesday the names and other detailed identification information of American troops who died in the 1945 U.S atomic bombing of Hiroshima after being held captive in Japan The latest revelation followed a recently discovered U.S report that confirmed that 12 American troops were killed in the blast that reduced the western city in Japan to ashes on Aug But the one-page investigation report did not contain information that identified the 12 individuals Kyodo News made information disclosure requests to obtain detailed documents from the U.S Department of the Army and the National Archives and Records Administration Information on all of the victims was disclosed based on the names of the 12 that were made public through studies conducted by Shigeaki Mori an 87-year-old Japanese historian and a survivor of the bombing titled "Individual Deceased Personnel Files," compiled around 30 to 150 pages of information for each victim including their dental identification results was among two of the military personnel described as having "perished in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima," while three were "killed in action" in Hiroshima on Aug the papers said death while in action "on 6 Aug 45" had been established the papers included a death notice sent to his family saying he died "as the result of the atomic bomb of Hiroshima." The remains of eight of the servicemen were first buried en masse at a mausoleum that the U.S military set up in Yokohama during its occupation of Japan following the end of World War II They were then sent to a national cemetery in the United States for reburial in 1949 described in the report as a 19-year-old "3rd class Navy radio operator," died on Aug Their remains were returned to the United States between 1948 and 1949 after being cremated in Hiroshima and shipped via Yokohama and the Philippines Regarding information on the remaining two victims the disclosed records did not have any clear descriptions that linked their deaths with the atomic bomb blast The disclosed materials were analyzed by Hitoshi Nagai a professor of modern Japanese history at the Hiroshima Peace Institute The atomic bomb that detonated over Hiroshima killed an estimated 140,000 people by the end of 1945 A second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki on Aug FEATURE: A-bomb survivor learns English to advocate for nuclear abolition Nagasaki urges nuke abolition on A-bomb anniv. rocked by Israel snub Dialogue critical to avoid nuke war: grandson of 'father of A-bomb' To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible Download the NPS app to navigate the parks on the go While wishing for a world without nuclear weapons UNITAR and Hiroshima/Nagasaki partners for live streams on the morning of August 6 and August 9 the days the atomic bombs were dropped on the cities in 1945 two atomic bombs indiscriminately killed tens of thousands of people profoundly disrupting and altering the lives of the survivors the Peace Memorial Ceremonies are held to remember the victims and ensure not to repeat the evil Peace Boat and local partners will share with you live the atmosphere from the moments of silence on the 79th anniversaries in Hiroshima and Nagasaki speak with Hibakusha on that very morning from several venues that commemorate the consequences of the atomic bombings they will introduce how younger generations try to learn and take over the legacy of survivors Watch the Livestream (on Youtube) Watch the Livestream (on Youtube) The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) is a coalition of non-governmental organisations in one hundred countries promoting adherence to and implementation of the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.This website was made possible thanks to the generous support of New Zealand and Swiss Loterie Romande Like most public- and private-school students growing up in Duluth during the 1950s and 60s we were conditioned to “drop and cover” under our old-style classroom desks should there be an atomic bomb or nuclear warhead heading for the Northland because of its strategic location for iron ore and shipping was a prime target for any Soviet bomber or strategic One of my English-class assignments in high school was to read “Hiroshima” by John Hersey the first author to give an account of the atomic bombing we will mark the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima Hoping to better understand what happened on Aug I read M.G.Sheftall’s “Hiroshima The Last Witness” and came away with more than just another account of that day Sheftall tells the story of the “hibakusha,” which is Japanese for atomic-bomb survivors The few survivors of the original bombing are now 90-plus years old literally moment by moment from its detonation and what it does to anyone and anything near its ground zero I do not intend here to pass judgment on the use of the bomb Those judgments will always be the question of the times in this atomic age (Full disclosure: my father — who served almost three years transporting aviation fuel across the Caribbean and Mediterranean — told me that had the bomb not been used and had the war not ended he very well may have been involved in the future invasion of Japan.) loaded with the atom bomb “Little Boy,” flew over the 245,000 people of Hiroshima during the previous two years of attacking the Japanese islands with conventional firebombs though a potential military target with its Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and airplane factories After the presumed success of what an atomic bomb could do military planners decided to use Hiroshima as the test case Most of the population was going about their daily lives — until 8:15 a.m Triggered to detonate at 600 meters (about six and a half football fields) above the ground for maximum damage the bomb’s force caused a pressure wave that moved at twice the speed of sound and a fireball temperature of 7,000 degrees Celsius Keep in mind the surface of the sun is 5,600 degrees Celsius 140,000 people were dead and those near ground zero were vaporized or burned beyond recognition had their eyeballs literally plucked out of their sockets only later to perish from burns or radiation poisoning How did Japan come to this place of almost national suicide in world history Japanese civilian and military authorities practiced media control for narrative management This was very effective in controlling Japanese thought regarding war against the Western Powers from 1941 to 1945 and was full-on for state military policy Japanese news media were complicit until the end of the war The hibakusha felt not only survivor’s guilt but many still felt it their duty to give their lives to the very emperor who had prolonged this national suffering has elected a president who spoke of nuking a hurricane to change its direction who preached a resumption of nuclear-weapons testing asked why we are reluctant to use our nuclear weapons Donald Trump has sought to control the media into his dictatorial He has threatened to shut down media that are not “kind” to him Are we entering a new age of fascist Germany Tom Rauschenfels lives on Park Point and was a public-school art teacher for 35 years in Hermantown In the United States the atomic bombssignaled military victory In Japan the remaining survivors have been left to contemplatewhether the world has learned anything fromtheir trauma — or whether the world powersare on a collision course to repeat it In the United Statesthe atomic bombs signaledmilitary victory In Japan theremaining survivors havebeen left to contemplatewhether the world has learnedanything from their trauma— or whether the worldpowers are on a collisioncourse to repeat it Hennigan and Spencer CohenPhotographs by Kentaro Takahashi Hennigan and Spencer Cohen Photographs by Kentaro Takahashi Share full article383383 The waiting room of the Red Cross hospital in downtown Hiroshima is always crowded often by elderly people waiting for their names to be called Many of these men and women don’t have typical medical histories They are the surviving victims of the American atomic bomb attack 79 years ago but it’s a day that the Japanese can’t forget 180 survivors — known as hibakusha — of the blasts each day When the United States dropped an atomic weapon on Hiroshima on Aug the entire citizenries of both countries were working feverishly to win World War II the bomb represented a path to victory after nearly four relentless years of battle and a technological advance that would cement the nation as a geopolitical superpower for generations Our textbooks talk about the world’s first use of a nuclear weapon where the United States detonated a bomb just three days later talk about how those horrible events must be the last uses of nuclear weapons A view across the Motoyasu River of the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima The bombs killed an estimated 200,000 men, women and children and maimed countless more. In Hiroshima 50,000 of the city’s 76,000 buildings were completely destroyed. In Nagasaki nearly all homes within a mile and a half of the blast were wiped out In both cities the bombs wrecked hospitals and schools Americans didn’t dwell on the devastation. Here the bombings were hailed as necessary and heroic acts that brought the war to an end. In the days immediately after the nuclear blasts, the polling firm Gallup found that 85 percent of Americans approved of the decision to drop atomic bombs over Japan Even decades later the narrative of military might — and American sacrifice — continued to reign This article is part of the Opinion series At the Brink,about the threat of nuclear weapons in an unstable world. Read the opening piece here This article is part ofthe Opinion series At the Brink,about the threat of nuclearweapons in an unstable world.Read the opening piece here Countries like the United States, China and Russia are spending trillions of dollars to modernize their stockpiles. Many of the safeguards that once lowered nuclear risk are unraveling, and the diplomacy needed to restore them is not happening The threat of another blast can’t be relegated to history it is necessary for Americans — and the globe really — to listen to the stories of the few human beings who can still speak to the horror nuclear weapons can inflict before this approach is taken again Chieko Kiriake was on a break from her job at a tobacco factory in Hiroshima People were walking around with their clothes burned off so much so that you couldn’t tell who was who Their skin would fall right off and hang off their hands at the fingernails It was almost like they had black seaweed hanging from their hands But I was thankful that some of my classmates were alive that they were able to make their way back Swarms of flies came and laid eggs in the burns and the larvae would start squirming inside the skin The maggots would feast on the blood and pus and get so plump and squirm so I brought my chopsticks and picked them out one by one I spent hours picking those maggots out of my classmates.” Hiroe Kawashimo’s mother was at home in Hiroshima She was in utero; her mother was around 1 kilometer from ground zero when she was exposed to the bomb’s radiation in Hiroshima according to her mother — apparently so small She was one of numerous children exposed to the bomb while in utero and diagnosed with microcephaly Seiji Takato was at home with his mother in Hiroshima And I don’t really remember the immediate symptoms Later the lymph nodes in my armpits and legs swelled up and I had to have them cut open three times.” Seiichiro Mise was at home in Nagasaki playing the organ people would say that if you married an atomic bomb survivor I got a call from the hospital saying my baby had been born ‘Is it a boy or girl?’ I didn’t even ask that ‘Does my baby have 10 fingers and 10 toes?’ But then he smiled and said it was a healthy boy Kunihiko Sakuma was at home with his mother in Hiroshima There are people today who still find it difficult to talk about what they experienced where were you during the bombing?’ People died or got sick not just right after the bombing I realized their suffering was still ongoing The atomic bomb is such an inhumane weapon and the effects of radiation stay with survivors for a very long time That’s why they need our continued support.” His father was at work next to Hiroshima Station and never came home I was officially recognized as an atomic bomb survivor I hated even looking at the Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Health Handbook and I quickly put it away in my desk drawer I didn’t tell anyone that I was a survivor.” Masao Tomonaga was asleep on the second floor of his home in Nagasaki at the time of the bombing and she suffered a severe thigh bone fracture We examined her blood and found that acute leukemia was quickly growing inside her body ‘I have long believed the atomic bomb was living surviving inside.’ Maybe she had a feeling that the atomic bomb had entered her body She didn’t use ‘radiation’ — a special term ‘The atomic bomb entered me and survived until now.’” Shigeaki Mori was crossing a bridge on his way to school in Hiroshima I speak as someone who suffers until this day: The world needs to stop nuclear war from ever happening again I see politicians talk about deploying more weapons Keiko Ogura was standing on a road near her home in Hiroshima ‘For we shall not repeat the evil’ — this is the pledge of survivors Now what survivors worry about is to die and meet our family in heaven On this planet there are still many many nuclear weapons and then I’ll meet my daughter I couldn’t save what did you do to abolish nuclear weapons?’ A small pink booklet fits squarely in Shigeaki Mori’s breast pocket — a cherished possession that over the years has become more closely tied to his self-identity The Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Health Handbook grants him access to free medical checkups and treatment Flip open the first page to see his distance from the bomb when it detonated that bright August morning and flip another page to begin tracing years of his health history in 2016 — in sharp contrast to the regular visits of American leaders to Europe to commemorate major battles there Mori was one of two survivors who spoke briefly with Mr leading to an emotional embrace between the two men Mori proudly displays a photograph of that moment alongside dozens of other mementos — including a photo with the pope — from his work over decades to remind the world of what happened in Hiroshima Obama’s visit would bring an official apology for the bombings; it did not did not shy away from recognizing the destruction of that day The camphor trees at Sanno Shrine in Nagasaki survived the bombing and continue to grow “We stand here, in the middle of this city, and force ourselves to imagine the moment the bomb fell. We force ourselves to feel the dread of children confused by what they see. We listen to a silent cry,” Mr. Obama said “Mere words cannot give voice to such suffering but we have a shared responsibility to look directly into the eye of history and ask what we must do differently to curb such suffering again.” “Someday the voices of the hibakusha will no longer be with us to bear witness,” Mr That memory allows us to fight complacency The Smithsonian is in the midst of planning an exhibition on World War II It’s time for the next generation to bear witness and demand change Listen to Chieko Kiriake and Keiko Ogura tell their stories in an audio essay from Times Opinion Kathleen Kingsbury is the Opinion editor of The New York Times overseeing the editorial board and the Opinion section Hennigan writes about national security issues for Opinion from Washington Spencer Cohen is an editorial assistant in Opinion Cohen spent a week in Japan reporting for Opinion’s series At the Brink Kentaro Takahashi is a photographer based in Kyoto Source footage by Science Photo Library and Forrest Brown This Times Opinion series is funded through philanthropic support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Outrider Foundation and the Prospect Hill Foundation Funders have no control over the selection or focus of articles or the editing process and do not review articles before publication Share full article383383Share full article383383Read 383 CommentsRead 383 CommentsShare full article383383Advertisement By Erik English | August 5 Nagasaki in November 1945. (US Army Air Forces via japanairraids.org) The only instances of atomic weapons being used against a civilian population occurred in 1945 at the tail end of World War II “Little Boy” was detonated above the Japanese city of Hiroshima The aftermath of the bombings was the complete devastation of both cities in which countless numbers of people lost their lives nuclear historian Alex Wellerstein published original research with the Bulletin describing the challenges of tabulating the casualties of the bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki Without accurate records of the population prior to the bombings Allied forces and the Japanese government relied on proxy figures to come up with their estimates those estimates were revisited to account for information that was excluded at the time The result is a recognition that we may never be able to fully account for the devastation of one of the world’s deadliest weapons Learn more in the Bulletin’s latest video and read more in Alex Wellerstein’s original piece for the Bulletin, Counting the dead at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel “How many American lives were saved by the dropping of these two bombs by not having to send in Allied troops onto the Japanese mainland where a long and very bloody war would have continued” We cannot lose sight of the fact that Japan instigated this Pacific war and therefore Japanese civilian blood is on the emperor’s hands A more pertinent question would be How many lives have been lost The number of people who died at Hiroshima and Nagasaki pales in comparison to those who have suffered and died while mining of uranium (in America Yellow Cake Miners); as a result of nuclear tests (in America Downwinders and Atomic Vets); and as a result of hazardous waste storage — in American cities like St Your premise is false and simply your assumption I do not defend the nuclear industry as I know he they poisoned us knowingly even resulting in terrible deaths in some cases as well as debilitating conditions to different degrees But those numbers are known and people damages are compensated by an act of Congress I am myself a Cold War Warrior enriching ursnuoim for a brief period before developing new plastics that took me into both Russia and China and my five business ventures to Japan got me to even Hiroshima for a day where Japanese people were… Read more » Erik English is an associate multimedia editor at the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. He has worked at the International Atomic Energy... Read More director Jake Schreier has pushed the MCU into unexpected territory His choice of narrative has given the film a more serious tone ‘Thunderbolts*’ breaks new ground visually Jake Schreier and his team made a bold decision early on: to use as many practical effects as possible “If Florence Pugh wants to step off the second-tallest building in the world That commitment extended to the creation of the film’s most chilling visual innovation: the Void Introduced as a terrifying force that erases people with eerie efficiency the Void’s visual design is deceptively simple and deeply haunting Schreier revealed that the inspiration came from some of the darkest imagery in history: shadows left behind by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima “It definitely came from images from Hiroshima and those kinds of shadows,” he explains “That sense of presence and absence in one image Rather than relying on a flashy CGI-heavy sequence the team worked with ILM to design a fleeting “If you spend any longer than a frame and a half of animation between when they disappear and when they become a shadow anything longer than that starts to feel like you’re getting into CG vapor territory,” Schreier stated making each Void encounter feel like a chilling whisper What’s most impressive is how the visuals were driven by narrative needs shifting environments that house some of the film’s most intense scenes were created with as many in-camera effects as possible Schreier praised the production designers for constructing entire gravity-defying sets that feel tactile and lived in “Because we’re trying to tell a human story it just feels like the filmmaking wants to feel like it has that texture as well.” In an interview with Collider Jake Schreier opened up about how he approached ‘Thunderbolts*’ as more than just a franchise obligation he aimed to build a film that could stand on its own even for viewers who haven’t kept up with the ever-expanding Marvel catalog best known for his work on Netflix’s ‘Beef’ has earned a reputation for telling deeply human stories his approach to ‘Thunderbolts*’ is the same One of the film’s most compelling challenges was how to move long-time characters forward in new ways make it work if people haven’t seen any of these things,’” he says That approach forced the creative team to walk a tightrope Schreier then pointed to Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes as a perfect example ‘Maybe it’s time to approach this from a new angle and help people through a new path,’” Schreier explains how frustrating politics can be.” That leads him back to the battlefield as a reluctant leader among misfits who understand pain like he does the right home for him all along has been with a team that you never would expect.” This article first appeared on FirstCuriosity and was syndicated with permission customized to your favorite sports and teams Hiroshima Prefecture and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (“ICAN”) will hold the Hiroshima-ICAN Academy on Nuclear Weapons and Global Security 2024 (hereafter referred to as “the Academy”) we aim to nurture global leaders who can make concrete contributions towards a more peaceful and secure world Join us for this opportunity to meet and learn together with inspiring Hiroshima Prefecture and ICAN signed a memorandum of understanding on collaboration in the field of human resource development for the next generation toward nuclear weapons abolition Both established an executive committee to launch the Hiroshima-ICAN Academy a course that aims to nurture global leaders who can make concrete contributions towards a more peaceful and secure world This year will mark the sixth time the course has been held The Academy 2024 is planned to be held in three parts: online learning and webinars Participants are expected to complete all three parts the G7 Hiroshima Summit highlighted global challenges to security and sustainability as well as measures to address them including the promotion of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament clean energy and environmental conservation it is clear that security and sustainability are deeply linked A broad understanding of security is necessary to address current global challenges including nuclear weapons: Beyond military might we must consider human and environmental security that mends divisions and inequalities and preserves a livable planet Centered on the humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons the Academy fosters discussion among diverse voices as defined by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) approximately four participants will be chosen by invitation one shall have a connection to Hiroshima Prefecture A scholarship program is available for participants who cannot afford the travel expenses Scholarships will be provided by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government and crowdfunding we have lowered the total number of program participants in order to provide scholarships to a greater percentage of participants Applicants are encouraged to seek financial support from their school or affiliated organization and the organizers can issue an official letter of support for this purpose In addition to participants selected from the general applicant pool the 2024 Academy will include approximately four participants from G7 member nations invited directly by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government These invitations aim to pass on to the next generation the “will to abolish nuclear weapons” confirmed by G7 leaders at the G7 Hiroshima Summit held in 2023 self-paced learning and participating in webinars at set times participants will learn about four themes: During the interactive and engaging webinars participants will have opportunities to learn both from guest educators including hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) During this time of rising global tensions it is increasingly important to learn together from Hiroshima and its people Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn in-person about the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons through activities such as directly hearing hibakusha testimonies and visiting A-bombed sites and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum along with other learning about other topics related to nuclear weapons there will be an online session for them to reflect on what they have learned and share how they will apply it in their respective activities and locations Join us for one of two online information sessions to learn more about the program and the application process The content of both sessions will be the same Applicants shall meet all the following requirements: Please apply by filling out the Application Form via Google Form here The selection committee will review the applications based on the requirements above perspectives on nuclear weapons and global security A phone or Zoom interview (in English) may be conducted applicants will be contacted by the organizer to schedule the interview Applicants will be notified of the selection results on Tues if a successful applicant engages in inappropriate behavior the organizer reserves the right to cancel their participation Experience University of Idaho with a virtual tour. 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Megan Lolley carefully folded a small piece of colorful paper The small ornament joined thousands of similar origami displayed to represent world peace in a place of once magnificent horror In March 2024, Lolley along with Jason Cahoon, University of Idaho English graduate students, traveled to Hiroshima University to represent U of I and the Habib Institute for Asian Studies at an international sustainability conference the experience was an intersection of scholarship and personal growth The backdrop of Hiroshima’s history — it was one of two Japanese cities targeted with an atomic bomb that shepherded the end of World War II — provided the perfect canvas for Lolley’s immersion into discussions of peace and sustainability From the bustling streets to the tranquil landmarks every moment in Hiroshima was a testament to the city’s enduring spirit “I was overcome by the entire experience,” Lolley said “The city and culture of Hiroshima were beautiful I enjoyed some fantastic food and I was happy to learn more about the work that scholars around the world are doing to understand pathways to peace and sustainability.” As a representative of U of I’s commitment to sustainability and peace Lolley engaged with attendees of the conference called the Conference for the Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS) She forged connections and shared insights conference participants visited our beautifully arranged U of I table with its overwhelming number of gold brand “It was great to get to know so many people with so many different interests and backgrounds.” Lolley chaired an Education for Peace session that explored the role of education to foster sustainable peace Participating in the 1,000 cranes project dedicated to the Children’s Peace Monument in Hiroshima City’s Peace Memorial Park was a highlight of Lolley’s experience The brightly colored origami cranes displayed en masse at the park are known as symbols of peace They are folded as a wish for peace in many countries around the world and sent to the city park for display The connection between paper cranes and peace can be traced back to a young girl named Sadako Sasaki who died of leukemia ten years after the atomic bombing “I found myself toiling over the smallest square of paper,” Lolley said “It is safe to say I need to practice my origami skills but I am proud of my haphazard tiny crane!” “Participating in this unique opportunity for cultural exchange and professional development allowed me to understand how important it is to carry these ideas beyond the academic sphere and enact them in our personal lives,” Lolley said and I am honored to have been a part of it,” she said “I'm grateful to the Habib Institute for Asian Studies for the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful endeavor.” Article by Christine Luten The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons has donated a sculpture of a little boy’s tricycle that was found the day Hiroshima was attacked with an atomic bomb to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and the City of Geneva. The sculpture Future Memory- Tricycle was inaugurated at the Museum on 19 September 2024 and will now remain on permanent display stands as a tribute to the victims of the atomic bombings of 1945 and the work of civil society and the other members of the international community particularly states that have joined the TPNW towards the elimination of nuclear weapons Three-year-old Shinichi Tetsutani was riding his tricycle when the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima on 6 August 1945 Shinichi was found by his mother near his beloved tricycle suffering from severe burns and other injuries When donating the tricycle to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Please work to create a peaceful world where children can play to their heart’s content.” “Future Memory - Tricycle” was made possible by the Tetsutani family’s support They wish for a peaceful world without nuclear weapons together with all Hibakusha as the survivors of the atomic bombings are known Shinichi’s actual tricycle has been on display at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum since 1991 leaving a lasting impression on visitors from around the world and symbolising hope and resilience The sculpture was donated to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and the City of Geneva by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) in partnership with the artists from 1Future / Future Memory Project Learn more  “It is a great honour to be able to donate this sculpture to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum The Red Cross was one of the first international organisations to reach Hiroshima after the atomic bombing and the ICRC has always been clear that the inhumane impact of nuclear weapons means they should never be used again and Shinichi’s tricycle is a reminder of those terrible events and serves to motivate us to make sure we never let such a thing happen again.” the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum’s Director welcomed the sculpture and highlighted its significance: “Behind every conflict there are always personal and unique stories that remind us of our shared humanity The Hiroshima Tricycle is above all the story of a little boy We are deeply grateful and honoured to be able to perpetuate his memory now permanently installed in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum at the heart of Geneva the world centre of humanitarian action and multilateral diplomacy.” it was donated in honour of the efforts by governments and civil society leading to the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) Learn more about the sculpture’s creation and the Future Memory project at tricycle-geneva.ch and futurememory.jp Listen: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify In this special season of World War II On Topic and the history and ramifications of the atomic bomb The anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima was August 6 we hear from two extraordinary people who experienced the bombing While much has been written and said on the subject excerpted from the oral histories given by Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk and Ittsei Nakagawa Van Kirk was the navigator on the Enola Gay the B-29 Superfortress bomber that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima He was the last surviving member of the Enola Gay crew before his death in 2014 Nakagawa was a Japanese American from California who got stuck in Japan due to the war on that fateful day and survived to tell his experience These oral histories were recorded by the Museum and provide a first-person look into the lives of those who experienced these astonishing and terrifying events Catch up on all episodes of World War II On Topic and be sure to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. the American B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima journalist John Hersey’s article “Hiroshima” forever changed how Americans viewed the atomic attack on Japan which premiered on the Museum’s Facebook page recounts how John Hersey got the story that no other journalist could—and how he subsequently played a role in ensuring that no nuclear attack has happened since was one of the first to raise terrifying questions for humanity about the successful splitting of the atom World War II On Topic is made possible by The Herzstein Foundation It was to spare the Japanese people from utter destruction that the ultimatum of July the 26th was issued at Potsdam Their leaders promptly rejected that ultimatum they may expect a rain of ruin from the air the like of which has never been seen on this Earth was visiting his grandparents in Japan when war broke out who recalls a telephone conversation with pilot Paul Tibbets about a special mission You never heard the word atomic used in our group and around our organization And if you ever talked about anything nuclear or anything of this type Paul would probably send you up to the Aleutian Islands which is his favorite place to send people who talk too much went home one day with one of our airplanes showed the airplane to his parents and everything of that type it was obvious we're going to do something different There's only one hookup there instead of the regular bomb bay configuration he had violated security and everything at that time And I can remember looking at the guy and I said “What the hell do you mean you think?” He says “There are some people betting that that's not enough That it'll have to be 50 miles away.” He says “Some people are betting you can't get far enough away.” He said you guys are dead.” Made me feel real good everything was aimed at getting nine miles away With the bomb on board and everything else you couldn't get that airplane high enough So you had to go down to a stripped airplane the Japanese had no defenses against high-flying airplanes Then at the end we put snap open bomb bay doors on By the time that we were all finished and got our new airplanes built in Omaha (The) best bombers in existence in the Air Force And we knew this was going to be a very important thing because (they) had guys with Tommy guns out guarding the briefing hunt and everything like that And so they get us together and they give us a briefing And then they tell us to go get some sleep and they'll call us about 10 o'clock for the final briefing How they expected to tell you you're going to go out and drop the first atomic bomb and then go get some sleep is absolutely beyond me I know (bombardier Thomas) Ferebee didn't sleep because we're all three in the same poker game and this is where they tell you where all this air sea rescue ships are going to be I don't want to get my feet wet.” And guess what they even had a submarine in the Inland Sea And then that gives the final frequencies for all the radio contacts and everything like that And I'd always remember what we had for the final breakfast and we had pineapple fritters for breakfast that morning And then all down and got our equipment on and down to the airplane Keg lights all lighting up the airplane all over that was at the command of the Manhattan Project to record the thing for historical purposes we all flew down to Guam to meet the press because they were not allowed up on Tinian And the only guy in the press (who) was allowed up there was Bill Lawrence of The New York Times And he had agreed to it and he couldn't out write about it until it was released by the Manhattan Project a lot of interviewing and everything of that type it was time to get on the airplane and get rid of the cameras and crank up and go And don't ask me what the other people did Parsons and (Morris) Jeppson went back into the bomb bay Our bomb operated on a simple gun principle it fired a projectile of shaped U-235 into a fixed target of another shaped piece of U-235 created a critical mass and you got an explosion the fact we were carrying an atomic bomb didn't bother me but the fact they were back in the bomb bay fooling around with black powder They did that while we stayed at low altitude until we got to Iwo (Jima) took out the red plugs and put in the green or took out the green took out the green plugs and put in the red plugs But they had to do that before they could still go back in the bomb bay They had a console sitting there right alongside of me where they were keeping track of the circuitry of the bomb and he was Deak Parsons to us on the flight “what happens if all those green lights go out out and some red lights comes on?” And he says “We're in a hell of a lot of trouble,” and that sort of thing Like Tom didn't have anything to do until we got to the target He was watching his instruments all the time But Jeppson was back there and everything of that type probably the same thing Dick Nelson was doing Dick was reading a whodunnit about a young boxer and that sort of thing So everybody had their thing they were doing I could see the city of Hiroshima from a good 75 miles away And we went in and we crossed the island Shikoku we crossed the Inland Sea into a little town just east of Hiroshima The winds from Japan were generally from the west to east and easiest way to go would've been bomb downwind You're getting the hell out of there faster So that's the why we were bombing on the 270 heading The winds that day were very light out of the south We had taken a wind reading just at about every 5,000 feet on the way of our climb up there so that I could tell Tom just about what the wind was going to be for his bomb site and everything of that type if we'd ever sat on a bomb run this long over Europe we wouldn't be here,” because it was that long And by this time Tom was flying the airplane “He was sitting there chewing on his cigar saying because Tom didn't even smoke cigars back in those days We're right on target,” and everything of that type So we went in and suddenly you felt the plane surge because 9,800 pounds had left all of a sudden And immediately Paul switched off the autopilot and started to go into the turn “Does that maneuver have a name?” And I said but I always call it getting the hell away from the bomb,” and that sort of thing So we kept going in that direction out there and 43 seconds until the bomb actually reached its altitude 1,002.” And I think we had concluded that it was a dud And suddenly there was a bright flash in the airplane from the bomb exploding So we kept going away from it and that sort of thing And later I found it was measured at about two and a half to three Gs That doesn't seem like a bunch to a fighter pilot And the sound was worse than in the shockwave because it sounded like a piece of sheet metal snapping if you have a piece of sheet metal or something of that type Somebody on the airplane called out “Flak.” I don't know who it was and here comes another one.” And then the second one So after we were certain we weren't going to get more shock waves The first thing you saw was a large white cloud up over the target And this large white cloud was up well above our altitude already I'd estimate it was up to maybe 45,000 already the entire city was covered with thick black smoke And it was obvious we're not going to be able to make any visual observation down there We flew a little bit in the southeast quadrant of the city It was quite evident we were not going to be able to make any visual observation had gone to a factory in the city that morning but the scene in Hiroshima would soon be transformed Nobody knew something like this was going to happen But that day was especially interesting to me this was a wooden structure that looked like it was converted to a factory with mechanical lathe and all sorts of metal pieces that needed to be Cut to pieces and the makings of whatever military equipment that was used for And I never knew exactly what was being made at that time But it was kind of interesting going to the factory except I noticed that there was an air raid that came on they thought that it wasn't anything important to continue on with this air raid siren out of the shelters and moved along for wherever they were going I went inside to exchange the shoes and the rice or wheat or whatever I had for an exchange all these students that were supposed to be there were outside looking at this parachute that was coming down from the sky here but it got very black and dust and so forth and it was just like the Earth was breaking up and everybody was just maybe going to hell It was just absolutely hard to experience something like this I noticed that I was somehow having blood all over my clothes and so forth but I couldn't even hardly remember exactly what took place in those.. But first thing that everybody was thinking was I saw all my student friends that mostly were outside looking at this parachute and so forth and they had soot and everything else around them And it looked almost like the whole Earth was just crumbling everybody wanted to know what was going on And the first thing they thought about was maybe there's someone that we could get together and see what's happening.” But it was so chaotic that everybody thought they could have a little get together “The only way that they're going to feel safe is to just get away from this place and head for home,” because there was nothing else to do “The Japanese began the war from the air at Pearl Harbor and the end is not yet.” An initial postwar report by the US Army Corps of Engineers estimated that approximately 66,000 people in Hiroshima died in the initial blast An August 1945 Gallup Poll found an overwhelming 85% of American adults supported the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki But this support would wane over the years And I'm not talking even in the event of invasion; I don't know how many people would've been killed or wounded if we've had to invade Japan But I saw the hospitals they were building in the Marianas there And if we'd ever filled all those hospitals This series is made possible by the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation which supports content like this from The National WorldWII Museum in New Orleans View Campus Map Hiroshima marked the 79th anniversary on Tuesday of its atomic bombing by the United States with its mayor urging people to unite in prompting world leaders to shift away from nuclear deterrence amid global conflicts including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East read during the annual ceremony in the Peace Memorial Park Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui said such global tragedies seem to be "deepening distrust and fear among nations "Policymakers can overcome even critical situations through resolute commitment to dialogue," the mayor said noting that the Cold War was brought to an end through dialogue between Mikhail Gorbachev "To extinguish the suspicion and doubt that creates conflicts civil society must foster a circle of trust through exchange and dialogue with consideration for others," Matsui said who represents a constituency in Hiroshima cautioned in his speech at the ceremony that the momentum toward a world without nuclear weapons is on the verge of reversal for the first time since the height of the Cold War "It is our duty as the sole country to have experienced the use of nuclear weapons in war to steadily work toward realizing a world without nuclear weapons," he said A moment of silence was observed at 8:15 a.m. the exact time that the nuclear bomb was dropped by the U.S bomber Enola Gay and detonated over the city on Aug killing an estimated 140,000 people by the end of the year The ceremony was attended by around 50,000 people including representatives from 109 nations and the European Union at a time when nuclear threats have been repeatedly made by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine while Israel's war with Hamas risks spilling into a wider conflict The Hiroshima city government invited Israel alongside a call for an immediate cease-fire to the conflict in the Palestinian territory which has drawn increasing international opposition But the invitation has been criticized as a double standard by some as Russia and Belarus have been barred from the ceremony for three consecutive years over the invasion of Ukraine The Palestinian embassy also criticized Hiroshima for not inviting Palestine to the ceremony undersecretary general and high representative for disarmament affairs Secretary General Antonio Guterres in which he noted global mistrust and division have only deepened.. some are recklessly rattling the nuclear saber once more." "The world must stand together to condemn this unacceptable behavior And we must find new solutions to bring disarmament to life," the statement said the Group of Seven leaders held a summit in the city making an unprecedented joint visit to the park and its museum and releasing their first-ever joint document on nuclear disarmament called the Hiroshima Vision But just days before the latest atomic bombing anniversary Japan and the United States held their first ministerial meeting on extended deterrence drawing criticism from hibakusha that the move goes against nuclear abolition During a press conference following the ceremony saying extended deterrence is "an extremely important means to protect the lives of the people," and that nurturing trust with the United States would help them work together toward a world without nuclear weapons He also expressed plans to hold a meeting in the autumn with friendly nations as a first step toward negotiating a proposed fissile material cut-off treaty which would prohibit the further production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons While hibakusha groups earlier urged Kishida to join a meeting of states party to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons next year as an observer Kishida only responded he would work toward a world without nuclear weapons is not a party to the nuclear ban treaty and instead continues to back the nonproliferation treaty A stream of visitors came to the park in the early morning to offer prayers and flowers and to avoid tighter security restrictions implemented after violence broke out with demonstrators the previous year The city limited entry into the premises between 5 a.m One survivor Yoshie Yokoyama came in a wheelchair to the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims The atomic bomb struck around eight kilometers from a factory she was working in which led to the deaths of both of her parents as well as numerous classmates and it was terrifying as I was also a child," the 95-year-old said "Something this disastrous is not normal." who grew up in the city listening to the accounts of survivors came to the park with her husband and 5-year-old daughter to pay respect "The awfulness of the bomb was not completely known (before its use) and neither was how long the painful effects would last I believe understanding what happened back then may change one's actions," she said nicknamed "Little Boy," decimated Hiroshima a second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki Japan surrendered to the Allied forces six days later The combined number of officially recognized survivors of the two nuclear attacks stood at 106,825 as of March this year Hiroshima survivor who broke silence at 70 seeks "blue sky" of peace Statue of Hiroshima A-bomb victim Sadako Sasaki stolen from park in Seattle Israel to attend Hiroshima peace ceremony amid call for cease-fire 当ホームページではjavascriptを使用しています。 javascriptの使用を有効にしなければ、一部の機能が正確に動作しない恐れがあります。お手数ですがjavascriptの使用を有効にしてください。 English Contact PrintPrint in large letters the City of Hiroshima holds the Peace Memorial Ceremony to console the souls of those lost to the atomic bombing as well as pray for the realization of lasting world peace including those who lost family members in the bombing is held in front of the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims (Monument for Hiroshima which is delivered by the Mayor of Hiroshima during the ceremony is sent to every country in the world to convey Hiroshima's will for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting world peace and for one minute, those at the ceremony grounds and in workplaces pay silent tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing and pray for the realization of lasting world peace August 6 from 8:00 am to 8:50 am every year a ceremonial offering of water to the victims is held before the Peace Memorial Ceremony Parking is not available; please use public transportation 6 bound for Eba and get off at the stop in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome-mae) 21 bound for Ujina and Hiroshima Port and get off at the Fukuro-machi stop It is a five minute walk from there to the Peace Memorial Park Please use caution as traffic will be regulated on August 6 in the area around Peace Memorial Park Location of the Peace Memorial Ceremony in Peace Memorial Park Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled.Please check the site policy for more information National Report HIROSHIMA--The city government here is changing how it goes about getting foreign dignitaries to attend its annual peace memorial ceremony to mark the Aug notifications will be mailed to all nations and regions with an embassy or representative office in Japan It means that Russia and Belarus will be notified that they are welcome to attend this year’s ceremony Both nations were dropped from the list of invites after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 The change in notification also means that Palestine would also be able to send a representative to this year’s ceremony for the first time “Because discussions had arisen about double standards we will change the manner of requesting (participation at the ceremony),” Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui said at an April 11 news conference we are thinking about returning to the starting point of the ceremony.” the Hiroshima city government invited Israel to attend prompting local organizations of A-bomb hibakusha survivors to scream “double standards,” citing Israel’s devastating offensive in Gaza the Nagasaki city government did not invite Israel leading the United States and other Group of Seven nations to shun the ceremony One aim of the change is to distance the event from global politics and remind nations around the world about the horrors of atomic warfare the Hiroshima city government initially considered inviting Russia but the Foreign Ministry objected on grounds it would send a mixed signal over where the government stood Russia was not invited by Hiroshima from 2022 until last year After the criticism about double standards regarding Israel the Hiroshima city government last summer began to consider a better way to draw up a list of invitees Notifications will be sent this year to 195 nations and regions--practically the entire world--according to a high-ranking city government official Sources said the notifications to be mailed out from late May will ask foreign governments to participate by keeping in mind that “Hiroshima’s soul” is seeking world peace so  no other nation or people need ever face what the hibakusha did The city government will consult with the Foreign Ministry before mailing out the notifications But an official with the ministry’s Arms Control and Disarmament Division said “While the final decision will be left up to the Hiroshima city government we will state our view if we are asked to do so by the city government.” The city government initially did not invite any of the nuclear powers but changed its policy after India and Pakistan carried out nuclear tests The nuclear powers have been on the invite list since 1998 “We felt it was important that the nuclear powers came to Hiroshima to see for themselves the inhumane nature of nuclear weapons,” said Takashi Hiraoka (This article was written by Akari Uozumi and Yoshichika Yamanaka.) Hiroshima faces ‘double standard’ criticism over A-bomb event Nagasaki mayor denies political motive behind snub to Israel ambassadors to skip Nagasaki peace ceremony Nagasaki mayor suspends invite to Israel for peace ceremony EDITORIAL: Ethical ‘double standards’ come to fore in Aug Nagasaki won’t invite Israel to attend Aug Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission A group of activists gathered in Hiroshima on Tuesday to denounce Israel being invited to the annual peace ceremony in the city commemorating the 79th anniversary of its atomic bombing by the United States and called for the freedom of Gaza in the Palestinian territory the venue of the ceremony earlier in the day was joined by crowds of people and remotely by Waleed Siam representative of the Permanent General Mission of Palestine in Japan disappointment and frustration that the city of Hiroshima has chosen to be hijacked by the oppressors and supporters while excluding the victims," Siam said at the Citizens' Alternative Peace Memorial Ceremony for Palestine "The invitation perpetuated our suffering in the absence of our voices undermining the very principle of justice that Hiroshima stands for," he said a 61-year-old member of Hiroshima Palestine Vigil Community hosting the event said they have been demonstrating by the Atomic Bomb Dome every day since Oct "Hiroshima is known for advocating for lasting world peace and nuclear nonproliferation and its citizens have sought that ideal," she said "I believe that the invitation was a betrayal of that struggle." Among the roughly 100 participants of the event "Inviting Israel to Hiroshima was disgraceful It's as if we're accepting what's happening in Gaza." The event came after Israel attended the morning ceremony following an invitation from the Hiroshima city government The western Japan city said it did not invite Palestine on the grounds it is not a state recognized by the Japanese government or a member of the United Nations But the decision drew backlash as a double standard with many pointing out Russia and Belarus had not received an invitation for a third straight year amid Moscow's invasion of Ukraine Hiroshima officials later said they plan to review the invitation rules for next year which will hold its own ceremony on Friday marking the 1945 atomic bombing of the city did not invite Israel but invited Palestine to its annual event Ambassador of Israel to Japan Gilad Cohen called the decision "regrettable" and "sends a wrong message to the world" in a post on X British Ambassador to Japan Julia Longbottom said in Hiroshima she has decided not to attend the Nagasaki ceremony as not inviting Israel could be seen as treating it as equivalent to Russia and Belarus when Israel is exercising its right to self-defense Israel began military operations in the Gaza Strip following a surprise attack on Israel on Oct But concerns have grown internationally over the deaths and injuries of many civilians and the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave Hiroshima urges shift from nuclear deterrence on 79th A-bomb anniv. Nagasaki mayor says Israel not invited to A-bomb peace ceremony Virtual reality tours show Hiroshima A-bomb reality as survivors age Leaders of the major world religions are gathered in the Japanese city of Hiroshima this week to reaffirm their commitment to making sure that artificial intelligence (AI) is developed ethically and responsibly for peace Titled “AI Ethics for Peace: World Religions commit to the Rome Call” the two-day forum is co-organized by the Pontifical Academy of Life (PAV) the United Arab Emirates’ Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel’s Commission for Interfaith Relations The highlight of the multi-faith event, which kicked off on Tuesday, will be the signing of the “Rome Call for AI Ethics”, issued in 2020 by the Pontifical Academy for Life and furthered by the RenAIssance Foundation emphasizing the vital importance of guiding the development of artificial intelligence with ethical principles to ensure it serves the good of humanity the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Italian Government aims to foster an ethical approach to artificial intelligence and to promote a sense of responsibility among organizations in order to shape a future in which digital innovation and technological progress serve human genius and creativity while safeguarding the human dignity of every individual and the planet Following the signing of the “Rome Call” by leaders of the three Abrahamic religions (Christianity in the name of peaceful coexistence and shared values the event aims to reinforce the idea that a multi-religious approach to vital questions such as AI ethics is the path to follow organizers remark that the choice of the venue holds a particular significance as Hiroshima stands as a powerful testament to the consequences of destructive technology and the enduring quest for peace In his opening remarks at the session, on Tuesday morning, the president of the Vatican's Pontifical Academy for Life, Bishop Vincenzo Paglia, reiterated the crucial role religions are called to play to ensure that the development of artificial intelligence “a great tool with unlimited possibilities of application” he said proceeds hand in hand with protecting the dignity of every human being and preserving our common home and in this shared effort we can rediscover real fraternity,” he remarked and we ask that technology be a driver of peace and reconciliation among peoples to say loudly that standing together and acting together is the only possible solution.” Bishop Paglia’s words were echoed by those of the leaders of the other organizing partners and joint work are necessary to deal with the developments of Artificial Intelligence,” said  Sheikh  Abdallah Bin Bayyah President of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace we can pave the way for a future in which AI is a force for good – a future in which the fruits of technology are harnessed to build a more tolerant peaceful and virtuous world," he said Chairperson of Religions for Peace Japan reiterated his  organization’s commitment to ensure that AI promotes “inclusivity and mutual respect for everyone." Member of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel’s Commission for Interfaith Relations religious leaders “carry a unique responsibility to infuse our pursuit of AI with moral clarity and ethical integrity.” He further highlighted the need to utilize AI “not merely as a tool for progress but as a conduit for deepening our connection to the divine and fortifying our spiritual journey providing avenues for exploring the intricacies of creation and the mysteries of existence," he said Other speakers on Tuesday included Father Paolo Benanti Professor of Ethics of Technology at the Pontifical Gregorian University who presented the Hiroshima Addendum on Generative AI The document focuses on the need for ethical governance of generative AI - an ongoing process that requires a sustained commitment from all stakeholders so that its potential is used for the good of humanity Also speaking on Tuesday were high representatives of IT companies such as Microsoft The gathering will conclude on July 10 with the signing of the “Rome Appeal After the testimony of an atomic bomb survivor participants also planned to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park as well as the Cenotaph of the atomic bomb victims where they will lay flowers in their memory Thank you for reading our article. 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Just click here A Japanese group representing atomic bomb survivors have appealed for a world without nuclear weapons at a UN nuclear disarmament meeting in New York The speeches were delivered at Wednesday's meeting of the preparatory committee for next year's review conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Kanamoto Hiroshi is an executive board member of Nihon Hidankyo which won last year's Nobel Peace Prize He said they have high expectations for the forthcoming NPT review conference at a time when the decline of the "nuclear taboo," which holds that nuclear weapons must not be used Hiroshima Mayor Matsui Kazumi spoke on behalf of Mayors for Peace a group of municipal leaders seeking the abolishment of nuclear weapons He called on global representatives to heed civil society's call for peace and refrain from relying on nuclear deterrence He also urged world leaders to advance reliable nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation measures in good faith Nagasaki Mayor Suzuki Shiro expressed sympathy over the passing of Pope Francis who visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 2019 Suzuki said the only way for humanity to escape the nuclear risk is through abolition "Nagasaki must remain the last wartime atomic bombing site." This deeply moving documentary gives a voice to the ‘hibakusha’ who endured the horrific US bombings – and are running out of time to tell their stories Atomic People marries interviews with a handful of them – all octogenarians at least a few who have marked their centenaries – with contemporary footage of President Harry Truman lauding the Manhattan Project’s achievement and the burnt and blistered bodies in the streets of the Japanese cities to create a deeply moving by the occupying allied forces who moved in after Japan surrendered in the face of this new weapon and banned reporting on the bombs’ effects families and wider culture as survival became stigmatised The hibakusha’s blood was thought to be tainted as exposure to radiation took its toll on survivors and on many of their subsequent children who were born disfigured or were miscarried before they could be born at all No one wanted them to marry into their families Hideo Takemoto was three when the bombs dropped Photograph: Hideo Takemoto/BBC/Minnow FilmsWhat is most immediately striking about the witness accounts is that fictionalised versions in films television series and books have done nothing but record the truth There was nowhere worse for the imagination to go than the reality remembers a young woman swaying as she walked towards the child and asked: “Where is the hospital?” while clutching her spilling organs recalls students gathering at a school with what looked like long strands of seaweed hanging from their waists Chieko’s teacher ordered her to help dig a pit to bury them Another remembers people with their eyeballs dangling down their faces and a mother clutching a baby “burned black as stone” as the flesh melted off her own back hanging from the straps of an incinerated tram These stories are given the space they need but the documentary does not forget the other parts of survivors’ lives The interviewer asks her subjects to close their eyes and remember what it was like before the bombs dropped: “What do you see?” Most answer with their eyes still closed Their memories of the silver shimmer of the B-29 against a clear blue sky evoke our own of 9/11 But the scale of the devastation shown by archive footage of the blasted cities remains unparalleled Some of the hundreds of thousands who died left what look like shadows on the buildings that remained standing Relationships and marriages were forged amid lies and half truths One hibakusha couple decided eventually that the risks were too great to have children: “But sometimes I think if I hadn’t thought too much about it I might have chosen to have children.” Another woman describes losing her adult son to leukemia Free weekly newsletterGet the best TV reviews news and features in your inbox every Monday To see the pain etched on the faces of those who were there is almost unbearable But they are asking us not to look awayIt seems impossible that such an event could ever have been celebrated but Truman’s address to the US after Hiroshima is unmistakably triumphal “We have spent $2bn on the greatest scientific gamble in history – and won … If they do not now accept our terms the like of which has never been seen on this Earth.” Atomic People does not mark a major anniversary It is simply that time is running out for the long-silent survivors to tell their stories to have them heard and to let them function – insofar as is possible in this war-ravaged world – as a warning from history It may also let the storytellers find some peace “I want to forget the memories that are inside my body The central blast zone in Hiroshima is now a memorial park One survivor says the noise of the insects always sounds to her like the voices of the dying who begged her for help and water I don’t know what you do with all this pain and terrible knowledge To see it concentrated in the minds and etched on the faces of those who were there is almost unbearable there will surely be more silver shimmers in bright blue skies Atomic People aired on BBC Two and is available on BBC iPlayer Today's print edition Home Delivery Raging conflicts around the world are “reinforcing the public assumption” that military force and nuclear deterrence are needed to solve global crises — a view Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui rejected Tuesday in a ceremonial speech marking 79 years since the city was devastated by an atomic bomb Citing former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and former U.S President Ronald Reagan’s push to end the Cold War Matsui stressed the importance of not being “resigned to pessimism” amid conflicts such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war adding that the world must take collective action and show that dialogue can overcome conflict.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); “Our unity will move leaders now relying on nuclear deterrence to shift their policies,” he said In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division Please activate JavaScript function on your browser by JACKSON WALKER | The National News Desk WASHINGTON (TNND) — The United States has expedited the production of a powerful new nuclear warhead due to “urgent need,” according to a release from defense contractor Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). SNL wrote it used “innovative program planning” to accelerate the production of its B61-13 bomb seven months ahead of schedule That decision came in response to “a critical challenge and urgent need,” it wrote according to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) That figure makes the bomb 24 times stronger than the “Little Boy” bomb used by the U.S “The B61-13 will strengthen deterrence of adversaries and assurance of allies and partners by providing the President with additional options against certain harder and large-area military targets,” the Department of Defense wrote in 2023 “Deterrence and assurance are enhanced if the United States can continue to deny an adversary sanctuary from attack.” The Pentagon in 2023 also acknowledged production of the bomb “is reflective of a changing security environment and growing threats from potential adversaries.” "The United States has a responsibility to continue to assess and field the capabilities we need to credibly deter and and assure our allies,” then-Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy John Plumb wrote Production of the bomb was first initiated under the Biden administration FAS wrote in 2023 the Biden administration justified producing the bomb by arguing it would “replace all other nuclear gravity bombs.” “The military justification for adding the B61-13 to the stockpile is hard to see,” FAS wrote “Defense officials say that the decision is not related to current events or developments in China Nor is the administration’s decision a product of the hard and deeply buried target capability study mentioned in the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review.” Follow Jackson Walker on X at @_jlwalker_ for the latest trending national news. Have a news tip? Send it to jacwalker@sbgtv.com. Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. As many as 100,000 photos and online posts including a female Medal of Honor recipient Black soldiers and people whose last name is ‘Gay’ may be axed in the diversity eradication ordered by Donald Trump I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice References to a World War II Medal of Honor recipient the Enola Gay aircraft that dropped an atomic bomb on Japan and the first women to pass Marine infantry training are among the tens of thousands of photos and online posts marked for deletion as the Defense Department works to purge DEI content according to a shocking database obtained by The Associated Press includes more than 26,000 images that have been flagged for removal across every military branch But the eventual total could be much higher who spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details that have not been made public said the purge could delete as many as 100,000 images or posts in total when considering social media pages and other websites that are also being culled for diversity The official said it's not clear if the database has been finalized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had given the military until Wednesday to remove content that highlights diversity efforts in its ranks following President Donald Trump’s executive order ending those programs across the federal government The vast majority of the Pentagon purge targets women and minorities including notable milestones made in the military And it also removes a large number of posts that mention various commemorative months — such as those for Black and Hispanic people and women But a review of the database also underscores the massive confusion among agencies about how to conform with Trump's radical order photos seemed to be flagged for removal simply because their file included the word ”gay,” including service members with that last name and an image of the B-29 aircraft Enola Gay which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima Several photos of an Army Corps of Engineers dredging project in California were marked for deletion apparently because a local engineer in the photo had the last name Gay A photo of Army Corps biologists was on the list apparently because it mentioned they were recording data about fish — including their weight the nation’s first Black military pilots who served in a segregated WWII unit but those may likely be protected due to historical content The Air Force briefly removed new recruit training courses that included videos of the Tuskegee Airmen soon after Trump’s order. That drew the White House’s ire over “malicious compliance,” and the Air Force quickly reversed the removal. Many of the images listed in the database already have been removed. Others were still visible Thursday, and it’s not clear if they will be taken down at some point or be allowed to stay, including images with historical significance such as those of the Tuskegee Airmen. It wasn’t immediately clear if the removed images will be protectively stored somewhere or simply trashed. Asked about the database, Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot said in a statement: “We are pleased by the rapid compliance across the Department with the directive removing DEI content from all platforms. In the rare cases that content is removed that is out of the clearly outlined scope of the directive, we instruct components accordingly.” He noted that Hegseth has declared that “DEI is dead” and that efforts to put one group ahead of another through DEI programs erodes camaraderie and threatens mission execution. The main page in a post titled “Women’s History Month: All-female crew supports warfighters” was removed. But at least one of the photos in that collection about an all-female C-17 crew could still be accessed. A shot from the Army Corps of Engineers titled “Engineering pioneer remembered during Black History Month” was deleted. Other photos flagged in the database but still visible Thursday included images of the World War II Women Air Service Pilots and one of U.S. Air Force Col. Jeannie Leavitt, the country’s first female fighter pilot. Also still visible was an image of then-Pfc. Christina Fuentes Montenegro becoming one of the first three women to graduate from the Marine Corps’ Infantry Training Battalion and an image of Marine Corps World War II Medal of Honor recipient Pfc. Harold Gonsalves. The database of the 26,000 images was created to conform with federal archival laws, so if the services are queried in the future, they can show how they are complying with the law, the U.S. official said. But it may be difficult to ensure the content was archived because the responsibility to ensure each image was preserved was the responsibility of each individual unit. In many cases, workers are taking screenshots of the pages marked for removal, but it would be difficult to restore them if the decision was made to do so in the future, according to another official, who like the others spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide additional details that were not public. A Marine Corps official said every one of its images in the database “either has been taken down or will be taken down.” The Marines are moving on the directive as fast as possible, but as with the rest of the military, very few civilian or contractor employees at the Pentagon can perform content removal, the official said. In the Marine Corps, just one defense civilian is available to do the work. The Marine Corps estimates that person has identified at least 10,000 images for removal — and that does not count more than 1,600 social media sites that have not yet been examined. The Marine official said the service is going through each site and getting new administrative privileges so it can make the changes. On February 26, the Pentagon ordered all the military services to spend countless hours poring over years of website postings, photos, news articles and videos to remove any mentions that “promote diversity, equity and inclusion." If they couldn't do that by Wednesday, they were told to “temporarily remove from public display” all content published during the Biden administration’s four years in office. govt and politics"},{"score":0.773272,"label":"/law govt and politics/armed forces/air force"},{"score":0.734486,"label":"/law govt and politics/armed forces/marines"},{"score":0.734318,"label":"/business and industrial/business operations"},{"score":0.670841,"label":"/technology and computing/internet technology/social network"},{"score":0.652272,"label":"/law govt and politics/government/government contracting and procurement"},{"score":0.583253,"label":"/education/teaching and classroom resources/school supplies"},{"score":0.526189,"label":"/business and industrial/business operations/business plans"},{"score":0.517345,"label":"/law female and Black soldiers being erased in shocking Pentagon DEI file purge","description":"As many as 100,000 photos and online posts including a female Medal of Honor recipient Black soldiers and people whose last name is ‘Gay’ may be axed in the diversity eradication ordered by Donald Trump