Remnants of Blast: Streetcars Bombarded in Hiroshima Still in Operation After 80 Years
In the aftermath of the devastating atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 5, 1945, an unexpected event took place - the resumption of streetcar service in some sections of the city, just three days later[1]. This quick restoration was a testament to Hiroshima's resilience and determination to rebuild.
The streetcars, managed by Hiroshima Electric Railway, have since become a symbol of the city's reconstruction. Remarkably, some of the streetcars that were exposed to the atomic blast continue to operate today, serving as mobile symbols of peace and recovery[1].
The tragic event claimed the lives of 185 employees of Hiroshima Electric Railway, including 30 who were students and staff of a girls' vocational school established by the company[1]. The school was created during the war to address labor shortages. Despite the loss, the streetcar system's swift restoration demonstrated Hiroshima's unwavering spirit.
The streetcars resumed operations soon after the blast, with a student from the girls school serving as conductor on a restored streetcar[1]. In a poignant gesture, she was instructed not to collect fares from passengers who did not have money.
Today, these streetcars serve as transportation and opportunities for peace education. Survivors (Hibakusha) and city institutions use these historical artifacts to educate future generations about the horrors of nuclear weapons and the vital need for peace[2]. The streetcars, with their enduring presence in Hiroshima, continue to symbolise the city's journey towards recovery and peace.
References: [1] The Jiji Press, Ltd. (2021). The 100-year history of streetcar service in Hiroshima. Retrieved from https://www.jiji.com/japan/hiroshima/t1908/hiroshima-streetcar-100-years-history/ [2] City of Hiroshima (2021). Peace education in Hiroshima. Retrieved from https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/kurashikikyoku/koseikyoku/hiroshima-heiwa-kurashi-kyouiku/index.html
- The streetcar system in Hiroshima, a symbol of the city's reconstruction, is now utilized as a platform for peace education, enabling survivors and city institutions to educate future generations about the significance of nuclear disarmament.
- Remarkably, some of the streetcars that were exposed to the atomic blast continue to operate, serving as mobile symbols of peace and recovery, while also offering transportation to the citizens of Hiroshima.
- In the past, Hiroshima Electric Railway, the company managing the streetcars, established a girls' vocational school to address labor shortages during the war, unfortunately losing 185 employees, including 30 students and staff, in the bombing.
