2025/08/24/ In-Person and Media Presentations for Commemorating 80 Years of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Experiences at Gardena Buddhist Church

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On Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 1-3 p.m., the Gardena Buddhist Church will host a special event, Shadows For Peace: The Hiroshima and Nagasaki Experience Speaker Forum – 80th Anniversary Observance.

Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84645926738?pwd=b4KH8Hra0ggtF8OyXA6bBFegkY7UYi.1

Meeting ID: 846 4592 6738 
Passcode: 498499

This August marks the 80th anniversaries of these devastating events. While some may believe the bombings only affected Japan, the upcoming event on August 24 aims to shed light on the broader impact. Howard Kakita, who was visiting his grandparents in Hiroshima when the bomb exploded, will share his personal story. Initially, his parents, incarcerated in the Poston WRA camp, had no news of his survival.

Toshiharu Kano, who was in his mother’s womb during the Hiroshima bombing, was born without an immune system, facing numerous health challenges throughout his youth.

Additionally, 12 U.S. Army Air Corps crewmen held as prisoners also perished in Hiroshima. Shigeaki Mori, who met with President Obama during his visit to the Peace Park, has preserved their story.

This presentation combines historical background through film, recorded testimonials, and Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor) presenters, followed by a moderated discussion and Question & Answer session.

This event is a crucial opportunity to reflect on the past and consider the present reality of nuclear weapons, a concern highlighted by recent events like the 2018 false missile alarm in Hawaii and the ongoing advancement of nuclear technology.

  • Event: Shadows For Peace: The Hiroshima and Nagasaki Experience Speaker Forum – 80th Anniversary Observance
  • Date/Time: Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  • Place: Gardena Buddhist Church Hondo, 1517 166th St, Gardena, CA 90247
  • Speakers: Howard Kakita, Toshiharu Kano, & Robert M. Horsting
  • RSVP: AbombSurvivors@gmail.com