On August 6 and 9, 1945, two Japanese cities—Hiroshima and Nagasaki—were struck by the world’s first and only use of atomic bombs in war. These events not only ended World War II but also left a lasting scar on humanity.

The first bomb, nicknamed "Little Boy", was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6. In a flash, the city was destroyed. Over 70,000 people died instantly, and tens of thousands more would later die from burns, injuries, and radiation. Just three days later, "Fat Man", a second bomb, was dropped on Nagasaki, killing another 40,000 immediately. Again, many more perished in the weeks and years that followed.

The decision to use atomic bombs was made by the United States to force Japan to surrender quickly and avoid a prolonged war. While it achieved that goal—Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945—the human cost was unimaginable. Entire families were wiped out. Survivors, known as hibakusha, suffered lifelong health problems and emotional trauma.

The bombings raised serious questions about the ethics of nuclear warfare and sparked a global movement for disarmament. To this day, Hiroshima and Nagasaki serve as powerful reminders of the horrors of war and the urgent need for peace.

Every year, memorial ceremonies are held to honor the victims and to remind the world: such destruction should never happen again.