Obama becomes first sitting president to visit Hiroshima site

World Today

US and Japan relations seven decades after Hiroshima

Along with Japan’s prime minister Shinzo Abe Barack Obama will visit the site of the world’s first nuclear bombing on Friday, the first president to do so while still in office.

CCTV Jack Barton reports on the historic event.

When the bomb nicknamed ‘Little Boy’ detonated over Hiroshima, the blast force was equivalent to 20,000 tons of dynamite. More than 100,000 people died.

Obama said he “will honor all those who were lost in World War II,” but there will be no apology.

A majority of Americans still view the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as having been necessary to end the war saving U.S. and Japanese lives. The majority of Japanese still believe the use of atomic bombs was unjustified.

There have been small protests against the visit. In the lead up locals, including survivors of the blast and their families have been largely supportive of Obama’s visit.

Others believe that discussion should still include an apology.


US and Japan relations seven decades after the Hiroshima

In a matter of seconds, the bomb devastated Hiroshima, as the United States tried to bring an end to World War II. CCTV America’s Sean Callebs reflects on where both countries stand today.

Today, the shiny aircraft that carried the bomb, the Enola Gay sits on display as a museum relic. In Hiroshima there are reminders everywhere.

Ahead of President Barack Obama’s planned historic visit to the city demands are coming from its citizens, some demanding apologies.

But, U.S. President Barack Obama has made it clear he has no intention of apologizing. At the World War II Memorial, in Washington, D.C. a sampling of U.S. veterans agree with Obama.

Veterans also point out it was Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii that brought America into World War II. More than 11,000 U.S. troops were entombed in the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor.