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Of the US’ Atomic Bomb Drop and a 70-year-old Tram

There is only one thing humans all over the planet agree with: war is awful. For us to understand the horrific implications of warfare, we all need to respect history and make sure future generations learn of the cruelty man has proved to be capable of in the past. On 6 August 1945, the US dropped their first atomic bomb, destroying five square miles (12.5 square km) of the city of Hiroshima and killing between 70,000 to 146,000 civilians.
The tram will be cruising the streets of the city through August 30th passing in front of the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome 1 photo
Photo: The Asahi Shimbun
Sure, the historical details of what happened 70 years ago are still debated, and whether or not the use of an atomic bomb was necessary still flashes sparks against nations. We’re not here to discuss that, however; instead we want to mention a great project through which officials of Hiroshima are trying to underline the historical moment.

You see this tram? Does it look old in any way? Maybe its color even stands out as being dull. It’s, in fact, an inspirational symbol, since the streetcar is one of the few “survivals” of the August 1945 atomic bombing. It has been repainted to its original gray and blue.

The tram will be cruising the streets of the city through August 30th, on weekends and national holidays on a roundtrip route from JR Hiroshima Station and Hiroden Nishi-Hiroshima Station, which passes in front of the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome. According to The Asahi Shimbun, documentary footage on the testimony of A-bomb survivors and the city’s postwar recovery is shown on monitors inside the tramcar.

If you happen to be visiting Japan this month and pass through the town, you should know passengers wanting to ride the train need to make a reservation via phone. As to the tram, you’ll want to know that it’s the Model 650. Out of those who were running that day, three A-bomb trains are still in operation, conveying memories of the atrocity to daily commuters and tourists today.
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