Japan Emperor Naruhito Honors Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Victims

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako paid solemn tribute to the victims of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, marking the event's 80th anniversary with a visit to the cenotaph and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Naruhito has emphasized the importance of remembering and passing on the tragic history of World War II to future generations, underscored by his multiple visits this year to sites commemorating war dead, including Iwo Jima and Okinawa. During the Hiroshima visit, the couple met with atomic bombing survivors and those trained to share their stories, continuing a legacy of remembrance and peace advocacy. However, the visit has sparked controversy as some atomic bomb survivors and civic groups protested the mobilization of local schoolchildren to welcome the imperial couple, criticizing it as reminiscent of pre-war militarism and expressing concerns over pressure placed on families and infringement on educational freedom. These groups argue that the ceremony risks politicizing the tragedy and undermining Hiroshima's historically strong antiwar stance. The protests highlight ongoing tensions in how Japan remembers its war history amid efforts to honor the victims and promote peace.