Two days when nuclear weapons
killed hundreds of thousands
On 6 August 1945, the US dropped an atomic bomb called “Little Boy” on Hiroshima in Japan. Three days later a second atomic bomb called “Fat Man” was dropped on the city of Nagasaki.
The firestorm in Hiroshima destroyed five square miles of the city. Almost 63% of the buildings in Hiroshima were destroyed after the bombing and nearly 92% of the structures in the city were destroyed or damaged by blast and fire.
Estimates of total deaths in Hiroshima range from 100,000 to 180,000, out of a population of 350,000. Casualties from Nagasaki are thought to be between 50,000 and 100,000. By 1950, over 340,000 people had died as a result and generations were poisoned by radiation.
- Why the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan by Kate Hudson
Hiroshima Day & Nagasaki Day
The world says never again
2018 is the 73nd anniversary of the bombings. Help to make sure the destruction nuclear weapons has caused is never forgotten. Please attend a memorial in your area. Events are planned across the UK to mark Hiroshima Day on the 6th August and Nagasaki Day on the 9th August.
Please contact us to let us know about events in your area.
- Learn how to make origami peace cranes
- Learn more about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
- Join the Hiroshima-Nagasaki International Fast
Cherry blossom
Many people picture cherry blossoms when they think of Japan. The custom of Hanami – cherry blossom viewing parties – is practiced across Japan during Spring. In Hiroshima and Nagasaki, hundreds of cherry blossom trees were planted in peace parks established in the decade after the atomic bombs destroyed the two cities. Cherry blossoms are therefore a symbol of peace and hope. Out of devastation, new life and beauty can grow if it is respected and nurtured as the cherry blossom trees in those cities are today.
The Hibakusha
“We are the survivors of the nuclear bombs that hit our home cities”
The Never Again appeal
‘After I die, I want future generations to know what happened to us.’
– Tsutomu Yamaguchi, survivor of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings
Survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings have helped drive the movement against nuclear weapons for over 70 years. Please donate to our appeal to make sure the stories of the Hibakusha continue to be told and strengthen our campaign to prevent another Hiroshima or Nagasaki.