Commemorative Event in Hiroshima for Victims of the Korean Atomic Bombing
Annual Mindan Memorial Ceremony Held in Hiroshima for Korean Atomic Bomb Victims
The annual Mindan memorial ceremony was held on Tuesday in Hiroshima, western Japan, to honour the memory of the Korean civilians who lost their lives due to the United States' atomic bombing on August 6, 1945.
The ceremony, which marked its 56th occurrence, took place at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. Mindan, an organization representing South Koreans living in Japan, organized the event. Around 110 people attended the ceremony, including survivors, bereaved relatives, and officials.
The 79-year-old leader of the prefectural group, who was exposed to radiation from the atomic bombing while in utero, expressed a hope that people, including the younger generation, will work together to pass on the memories and lessons of the atomic bombing to future generations.
The attendees offered flowers and silent prayers for those who perished. The ceremony served as a reminder of the horrors of nuclear warfare and contributed to efforts to prevent future use of atomic weapons.
Historically, many Koreans were among the forced laborers and civilians in Hiroshima at the time of the bombing, and approximately 2,824 Korean victims have been officially recognized. They suffered both immediate death from the blast and long-term effects such as radiation sickness and cancers.
The ceremony highlighted the ongoing struggle of survivors and their descendants and linked the Korean experience closely with the broader historical narrative of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as the only cities targeted by nuclear weapons during World War II. The event focused on preserving the memory of the bombing, promoting world peace, and supporting the call for nuclear disarmament.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing and the end of World War II. The Mindan memorial event was held a day before the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
- Following the annual Mindan memorial ceremony, a photograph capturing the solemn moment of offering flowers and silent prayers at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima was widely shared as a symbol of a shared history between Korea and Japan, highlighting the continuing impact of war-and-conflicts on both nations.
- As the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing approaches, general news outlets are covering the Mindan memorial event in Hiroshima, discussing the politics surrounding the commemoration of the tragedy, the ongoing struggle of survivors, and the call for nuclear disarmament, emphasizing the importance of learning from the past to shape a peaceful future.
