By Isle of Wight Observer
In the summer of 2025 I was so lucky with my family to visit Japan, 80 years after the Atomic Bombs were dropped over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, two events that forever changed Japan – and the world. This was our first time in Japan and it did not disappoint. The temples, neon streets, and tranquil gardens, and a poignant opportunity to explore a nation that has turned devastation into resilience, remembrance and renewal.
Japan in summer bursts with energy – from colourful matsuri (festivals) to fireworks lighting up the humid night sky. Yet this year carried a deeper tone of remembrance. August 6 and August 9 saw solemn ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the bombings, with survivors (hibakusha), government leaders, and visitors gathering to honour the past and promote peace.
For us as travellers, these commemorations offered a powerful way to engage with history while witnessing Japan’s enduring spirit. Both Hiroshima and Nagasaki have evolved into vibrant, hopeful cities – symbols not of tragedy, but of humanity’s capacity to rebuild whilst at the same time reflecting the past with simple but impactful memorial gardens, museums and the emotional connection of the children’s peace gardens and memorials.
Hiroshima, a city once levelled by the first atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. Today, it thrives as a beacon of peace and progress. The Peace Memorial Park lies at the heart of the city, a tranquil space filled with trees, sculptures, and memorials dedicated to the victims.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which has recently undergone thoughtful updates for the anniversary year, exhibits the stories of ordinary people affected by extraordinary destruction, and the museum’s message is clear: never again. It was very hard hitting and, although at the time my 9 year old was very quiet, she reflects on it being one of the best parts of our travels.
Nearby stands the Genbaku Dome (Atomic Bomb Dome), preserved in the same skeletal form it was found after the blast. Seeing it in person is both sobering and strangely uplifting – a reminder of what humanity can endure and how time also moves on, not healing but of quiet remembrance.
Nagasaki, bombed three days after Hiroshima, carries its own powerful story. Known for its historic mix of Japanese and European influences, the city’s churches, gardens, and hillside views tell of resilience through diversity.
The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park offer another window into the human cost of war and the strength of reconciliation. The Peace Statue, with one hand pointing to the sky and another extended in peace, remains one of Japan’s most moving monuments.
Commemorating the 80th anniversary doesn’t mean dwelling solely on sorrow. Japan invites travellers to witness how remembrance co-exists with vibrant life. From Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya Crossing to Kyoto’s serene temples, the nation embodies a balance of tradition, innovation, and hope.
This summer we witnessed cultural institutions which hosted special exhibitions, peace concerts, and art installations inspired by the anniversary.
Visiting Japan in 2025 was more than sightseeing; it was an act of connection to a different culture and history that affected and affects us all.
Standing beneath the paper cranes of Hiroshima’s Children’s Peace Monument in the rain was sombering in reflection on the cost of conflict across the world and the power of compassion.
Eighty years on, Japan continues to remind the world that peace is not just a memory – it’s a responsibility.
Our trip to Japan was one of not just beauty, but meaning… as the clock at the Hiroshima museum continues to count the days since the atomic bomb hit and the number of days since the last nuclear test.