Key Facts
• On August 1, 1945, at 10:30 PM, Nagaoka City was devastated by air raids.
• Over 1489 lives were lost, and 80% of the city was destroyed by 163,000 incendiary bombs.
• A peace ceremony was held on August 1, 2025, with many offering silent prayers.
• Nagaoka citizens revived their festival in 1946 and fireworks in 1947.
• The ‘White Chrysanthemum’ fireworks, symbolizing war victim memorials, are launched annually on August 1.
• Akira Kase, a fireworks artisan, continues the tradition started by his late father.
• Miyako Ikeda, 92, who lost her siblings in the war, reflects on the fireworks’ significance.
• Ikeda hopes future generations will continue to cherish peaceful celebrations.
Summary
On August 1, 2025, Nagaoka City commemorated the 80th anniversary of the devastating air raid that claimed 1489 lives and destroyed 80% of the city. A peace ceremony was held, and the ‘White Chrysanthemum’ fireworks were launched as a tribute to war victims. This tradition, started by Akira Kase’s father, continues to inspire reflection on peace and the horrors of war. Miyako Ikeda, 92, who lost her siblings in the war, expressed her emotional connection to the fireworks, emphasizing the importance of passing on the message of peace to future generations. The annual event highlights Nagaoka’s resilience and commitment to remembering its history while fostering hope for a peaceful future.
