This month marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima (Aug. 6) and Nagasaki (Aug. 9), an act that reshaped global history and left deep scars in Japan—emotional, cultural, and physical.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings

The backstory:

On Aug. 6, 1945, an atomic bomb obliterated Hiroshima, killing tens of thousands instantly. Many of the injured were ferried to nearby Ninoshima island, where makeshift field hospitals treated survivors under dire conditions.

By August 25, only a few hundred remained alive; most were buried hastily in unmarked graves. Recovery efforts continue today as locals and researchers seek to honor the missing and provide solace to survivors.

RELATED: Watch melted in Hiroshima atomic bomb blast sells for over $31,000

On Aug. 9, a second

See Full Page