Travel Asia

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial or the Genbaku Dome is located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. It was the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on 6 August 1945. Through the efforts of many people, including those of the city of Hiroshima, it has been preserved in the same state as immediately after the bombing. Not only is it a stark and powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever created by humankind; it also expresses the hope for world peace and the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons.

The building was originally designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel. It was completed in April 1915 and was named the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition. In 1921, the name of the building was changed to Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall, and again in 1933 to the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall.

The original target of the atomic bomb was the distinctive “T”-shaped Aioi Bridge. The first nuclear bomb was detonated almost directly above the building. The Genbaku Dome, being the closest structure to withstand the explosion, has been preserved in its original state to remind us of nuclear devastation, a symbol of hope for world peace and elimination of all nuclear weapons.