On the 80th Anniversary of the Hiroshima Bombing
—From a Corner of Hiroshima, About the Importance of Knowing the Facts—
On August 6, 2025, Hiroshima marks 80 years since the atomic bombing.
This year’s Peace Memorial Ceremony began with these words from the children’s “Pledge for Peace”:
“To ensure such a tragedy never happens again, many people must know the facts.”
—— To know the facts.
I was born and raised in Hiroshima, and I still live here.
I will likely spend the rest of my life in this city.
When I was a child, summer meant folding countless paper cranes, visiting the Peace Memorial Park, and listening to hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) share their stories under the shade of the A-bombed trees.
I read Barefoot Gen and reflected on peace beneath those same trees.
For those of us who attended elementary school in Hiroshima, such experiences were a kind of “summer tradition.”
Most people in Hiroshima wish for a world without nuclear weapons.
At the same time, some argue that possessing them is necessary for self-defense — because they know the terrifying reality of war.
As an adult, I’ve come to understand that even the argument for possessing nuclear weapons has its logic.
And yet, I still wish for a world without them.
I never truly imagined that, in this era, physical wars would still break out.
If anything, I thought future conflicts would be fought with IT systems or viruses, not with bombs and bullets.
Are humans only capable of resolving conflicts through physical domination?
Can we not join hands to truly achieve peace?
If we pursue such ideals, will we simply lose in a capitalist world?
Is a beautiful world truly unattainable?
The pursuit of a beautiful world often stands in opposition to capitalism.
Those who can skillfully manage both are the ones who rise to the top.
And yet, even that success is often built on someone else’s sacrifice.
In some cases, those who choose practicality over ideals end up making more people happy.
This is the complexity and the dilemma we live in.
In the end, perhaps everything is just a matter of positional talk — speaking from one’s own standpoint.
And that is why I believe it is crucial to truly know the facts and form our own positions.
I run a whisky bar in Hiroshima, and I sometimes guide guests from overseas.
Many visitors to Hiroshima tell me, “I don’t want to visit the museum.”
—— “Why should I be shown the world from your side’s perspective?”
Some even carry such feelings.
But when I encourage them to go, and accompany them, nearly all say afterward, “I’m glad I went.”
The experience is often completely different from what they imagined.
There is something deeply moving that cannot be conveyed by words or photos alone.
I may not have the authority to speak of something as vast as world peace.
Perhaps my words will not make a great difference.
Still, as someone born and raised in Hiroshima, I believe it matters to speak about peace in my own words.
With a glass in front of me, I hope to share just a little of that conversation.
From this small corner of Hiroshima, that is my wish.
For those visiting Hiroshima:
Many people stop at the Atomic Bomb Dome and end their visit there, but I encourage you to also visit the Peace Memorial Museum.
There, you will encounter “facts” that cannot be conveyed through photos or text alone.
For whisky and rum industry professionals:
If you’re visiting Hiroshima, I am happy to assist with arrangements or provide interpretation support — free of charge. Please feel free to reach out.
Bar Little Happiness
owner mika