Japan remembers Hiroshima

The Japanese Prime Minister used the 66th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima to challenge what he called the “myth of safety” of nuclear power.

This year’s ceremony carries particular significance after the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power station damaged by the earthquake and tsunami in March.

Speaking at the memorial, PM Naoto Kan said, “Regarding nuclear energy. We will deeply reflect over the conventional belief that nuclear energy is safe. We have to thoroughly look into the cause of the accident to improve safety, to implement fundamental measures while at the same time decreasing dependence on nuclear power.”

Over 100 000 people died in the explosion at Hiroshima, the first time an atomic bomb had ever been used in warfare.

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