70 years on: the building that survived hiroshima

Photo: Vibragiel

Today, the world commemorates 70 years since the first atomic bomb was dropped on a city. The bombing of Hiroshima on 6th August 1945, which was followed by another attack on Nagasaki, is often credited as a factor leading to the end of World War II. The nuclear attack, though, killed thousands, flattening the entire city.

But one building still stands.

The Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, located on the Motoyasu river, was first built in 1915 by Czech artitect Jan Letzel. Designed as a landmark for the city's business district, it was a popular venue for exhibitions. As a rare piece of Western architecture, it was also oe of the few edifices made from steel and stone, as opposed to wood, something that would prove to be its saving grace.

Hiroshima before (Atomic Bomb Dome top right) Photo: Neepster

At 8.15am on 6th August 1945, the US B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the first uranium bomb on Hiroshima. The fallout was catastrophic, obliterating over 70,000 people instantly, with another 70,000 lives claimed by the end of the year.

The Atomic Bomb Dome (as it has now been dubbed), though, stayed standing. In the years since, the building has become a central part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a symbol of enduring peace in the wake of tragic loss.

Hiroshima after (Atomic Bomb Dome top right) Photo: Neepster

Located around 160 metres from the epicenter of the explosion, the dome itself was largely destroyed: the roof has gone, leaving behind just the shell of a building. The ruins, though, have been preserved by the local government.

The building was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, cementing the shell of the building's iconic status as a memorial to those killed seven decades ago.

Today, the Japanese city held a ceremony at Hiroshima's memorial park, as they do on 6th August every year. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the ceremony, calling for global nuclear disarmament.

Photo: Shiori.k

Doves were released, incense sticks were burnt and prayers were offered.

In the background, the scarred dome loomed.