80th Anniversary of Great Tokyo Air Raid Commemorated, 100,000 Lives Lost

On March 10, 1945, the Great Tokyo Air Raid resulted in the deaths of approximately 100,000 civilians, marking a significant and devastating event in World War II. U.S. B-29 bombers dropped incendiary bombs over Tokyo, targeting densely populated areas to demoralize the Japanese populace, a tactic that became a hallmark of American warfare in subsequent conflicts. This bombing campaign is remembered as a shift toward the indiscriminate targeting of civilians, a strategy that continued in later wars such as those in Korea and Vietnam. As the 80th anniversary of the raid approaches, efforts are being made in Japan to preserve the memories of survivors and educate future generations about the horrors of war. Institutions are planning events and exhibitions to ensure that the impact of the air raids is not forgotten, highlighting the human costs of military conflict. The legacy of the bombing serves as a reminder of the cruel realities of war and the enduring scars left on civilian populations.