Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) was the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on 6 August 1945. Through the efforts of many people, including those of the city of Hiroshima, it has been preserved in the same state as immediately after the bombing.

Kenzo Tange, the designer selected from the 145 proposals put forward, completed the park in 1954. As of the present day, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park covers an area of 122,000 square metres and features 60 monuments, a museum, memorial hall and conference centre.

Every year, 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. This ceremony, which is attended by many of citizens, including those who lost family members in the bombing, is held in front of the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims. The Peace Declaration, 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.　

At exactly 8:15 am, the time the atomic bomb was dropped, the Peace Bell rings, sirens sound all over the city, and for one minute, those at the ceremony grounds, in households, and in workplaces pay silent tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing and pray for the realization of lasting world peace.