On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Hiroshima will mark a significant milestone: the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing. As in previous years, the Peace Memorial Ceremony (officially titled the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony and Memorial Service for the Atomic Bomb Victims) will be held at Peace Memorial Park in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City.
In this landmark year, Hiroshima is promoting the theme of “Fostering a Culture of Peace,” and various initiatives are being carried out throughout the city to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the bombing. The Peace Memorial Ceremony stands as the central event among these efforts.
New Approach to International Invitations: Notification Letters Sent to 196 Countries and Regions
This year, Hiroshima has revised its traditional practice of sending formal invitations to country and regional representatives. Instead, a notice of the ceremony’s holding has been sent to 196 countries and regions to promote understanding of the event’s purpose.
Around 9,000 Seats Available – Admission Time Moved to 6:00 AM
As with previous years, the ceremony will accommodate about 7,000 seats in the main venue and approximately 2,200 seats in a secondary venue at the Hiroshima International Conference Center. Of the main venue seating, around 1,600 seats are reserved for atomic bomb survivors and bereaved families, while roughly 1,200 seats will be available as non-reserved seating for the general public on a first-come, first-served basis.
Admission will begin at 6:00 AM this year, moved up 30 minutes earlier from last year’s 6:30 AM start.
Please note that access to Peace Memorial Park will be partially restricted between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM on the day of the ceremony. General visitors within the park during this time will, in principle, be asked to move outside the park.
Moment of Silence at 8:15 AM – Ceremony Ends at 8:50 AM
The ceremony will begin at 8:00 AM. At 8:15 AM, the exact time the atomic bomb was dropped, a one-minute moment of silence will be observed. The ceremony is scheduled to conclude at 8:50 AM.
After the ceremony ends, the access restrictions will be lifted, and visitors will once again be free to enter Peace Memorial Park.
A Day of Reflection and Prayer in a Historic Year
With 2025 marking the 80th anniversary of the bombing, a historically significant milestone, the ceremony is expected to draw more attendees than in previous years. It will be a solemn day of remembrance and reflection on the importance of peace.
This occasion invites people to come together in Hiroshima—one of the world’s most powerful symbols of resilience—to confront the past and deeply consider the value of peace.
