Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a city in western Honshu, Japan. It is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and lies along the Ota River, facing the Seto Inland Sea. As a major urban center in the Chugoku region, Hiroshima has long been a hub for administration, industry, education, and culture.

The city is best known for its place in world history as the target of the first use of a nuclear weapon on a populated area. On August 6, 1945, during World War II, an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, destroying much of the city center and killing an estimated 140,000 people by the end of that year. In the postwar period, Hiroshima undertook extensive reconstruction and developed a civic identity tied to peace and anti-nuclear advocacy.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, established in the city center, preserves the ruins of the former industrial and civic buildings. The Atomic Bomb Dome, a burned and preserved building near the hypocenter, stands as a symbol of the destruction and a focus of commemoration. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, opened in 1955, documents the bombing and its aftermath. The city observes the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 6 and supports education and international dialogue on peace.

Today, Hiroshima is a diversified city with industry, commerce, and educational institutions. It serves as a gateway to regional attractions, including Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine nearby. The city also has historical ties to manufacturing, notably with Mazda Motor Corporation, which has roots in the region.