People release paper lanterns on the Motoyasu River in remembrance of atomic bomb victims, marking the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing, in Hiroshima, western Japan, August 6, 2026. [Photo/Agencies]

On the anniversary of the atomic bombings, survivors and activists tell DW Japan's military buildup risks eroding its longstanding commitment to pacifism.

広島は2026年8月6日、米国による原爆投下から81年を迎えました。平和記念公園(広島市中区)の原爆死没者慰霊碑の前には、早朝から多くの人が訪れ、犠牲者を悼んで手を合わせ、核兵器のない世界と平和を願…

By Hou Junjie in Tokyo and Zhou Jin in Beijing |

People release paper lanterns on the Motoyasu River in remembrance of atomic bomb victims, marking the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing, in Hiroshima, western Japan, August…