Los Angeles, CA — The Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America invites the public to the annual memorial ceremony remembering the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
This year marks a significant milestone—the 80th anniversary of the bombings—and we gather to pray for peace and reflect on the enduring lessons of history.
The Irei-sai Memorial Ceremony and Prayer for Peace will take place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 4:10 PM (Pacific Time) and will be streamed live on the Shrine’s YouTube channel.
This traditional ceremony occurs at the exact time that the bombs fell on Hiroshima 80 years ago. This ceremony honors the Mitama (spirits) of the victims and reaffirms the Shrine’s ongoing commitment to a peaceful world. It is an important annual observance held by the Shrine, and the Shine invites people of all backgrounds to join in remembrance, reflection, and prayer.
The Shrine welcomes Mr. Howard Kakita as this year’s guest speaker. A survivor of the Hiroshima bombing when he was just 7 years old, Mr. Kakita has become a powerful voice for nuclear disarmament and peace as a member of the American Society of Hiroshima-Nagasaki A-Bomb Survivors (ASA).
His testimony offers a deeply personal perspective on the human cost of war and the lasting effects of the atomic bombs.
80th Anniversary Memorial for Victims of the Atomic Bombs
Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tslVxLXdRHk
Come together in prayer for peace and to honor the Mitama.
The memorial event will be hosted on the Shrine’s YouTube channel and are free and open to the public.
The Shrine encourage individuals, families, parents, children, and communities around the world to join in remembering the past and working together toward a more peaceful future.
The Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the American branch of Shusse Inari Jinja in Matsue, Japan.
Through the online ceremonies and cultural events, the Shrine aims to share Japan’s sustainable, nature-connected way of life and traditional spiritual values with a global audience.
