Hiroshima and Nagasaki: 80 years after the atomic bomb, the world still grapples with the fallout

This month marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima (Aug. 6) and Nagasaki (Aug. 9), an act that reshaped global history and left deep scars in Japan—emotional, cultural, and physical.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings

The backstory:

On Aug. 6, 1945, an atomic bomb obliterated Hiroshima, killing tens of thousands instantly. Many of the injured were ferried to nearby Ninoshima island, where makeshift field hospitals treated survivors under dire conditions. 

By August 25, only a few hundred remained alive; most were buried hastily in unmarked graves. Recovery efforts continue today as locals and researchers seek to honor the missing and provide solace to survivors.

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On Aug. 9, a second bomb devastated Nagasaki, prompting Japan’s surrender and ending World War II. Estimated total deaths reached 140,000 in Hiroshima and 70,000 in Nagasaki by year’s end, with many more dying later from radiation exposure.

Efforts on Ninoshima island

Local perspective:

Since 2018, Hiroshima University researcher Rebun Kayo has excavated remains on Ninoshima, uncovering roughly 100 bone fragments—including those believed to belong to children. His work includes planting spiritual offerings and sifting soil where mass burials occurred. Survivor Tamiko Sora, now in her eighties, receives remains for prayer in hopes of bringing long-delayed closure.

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Local historian Kazuo Miyazaki estimates that while approximately 3,000 remains have been recovered since 1947, thousands remain unaccounted for. "Until that happens, the war is not over for these people," says Kayo.

U.S. public opinion today

By the numbers:

A Pew Research Center survey conducted in early June 2025 found that 35% of Americans say the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was justified. Meanwhile, 31% say it was not justified and 33% are unsure. Most Americans (83%) report knowing at least a little about the events  .

Among demographics:

• Men are more likely than women to view the bombings as justified (51% vs. 20%), while women are more likely to be unsure or say they were not justified  .
• Older Americans (ages 65+) express higher levels of support for justification, while younger adults (under 30) lean toward opposition (44% not justified vs. 27% justified)  .
• Political ideology plays a role: 61% of conservative Republicans say the bombings were justified, compared to only 14% of conservative Republicans who disagree. Democrats more often view them as not justified, with liberal Democrats at 50% opposition.

Survivor advocacy and global lessons

Why you should care:

The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to survivors’ group Nihon Hidankyo has reinvigorated calls for nuclear disarmament. Survivors like Terumi Tanaka emphasize the importance of sharing their experiences with younger generations to prevent history from repeating itself. Japanese royalty—including Emperor Naruhito—have participated in memorial events and urged continued peace education around the 80th observance.

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Worldwide, remembrance events are scheduled—including bell ceremonies at U.S. Manhattan Project National Historical Park sites, lantern vigil events, and educational programming across cities such as Oak Ridge, Los Alamos, Honolulu, Boston, and Seattle—underscoring the lasting impact and the importance of reflection.

What's next:

Survivor-led efforts are intensifying. Researchers like Kayo plan to continue excavations on Ninoshima, while hibakusha groups press for further disarmament diplomacy. 

In the U.S., public opinion remains deeply divided—especially across age, gender and political lines—raising questions about how the bombings are taught and remembered as firsthand witnesses dwindle.