Report by Ms. Petra Bouillaut, the City of Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Since 1984, Frankfurt am Main has been a member of the city network Mayors for Peace and regularly participates in activities in cooperation with various civil society organizations.
In 2025, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki mark their 80th anniversary, coinciding with 80 years since the end of World War II. On this occasion, numerous special events were held this year, including the following:
1 May 8, 2025:
・Day of Liberation
Program to celebrate the Day of Liberation on the Römerberg in Frankfurt
・Nuclear survivors – 80 years of struggle for justice
Film screening and discussion by International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War and the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt with victims of nuclear tests
2 May 27 – June 1, 2025: Nippon Connections Film Festival
Film screenings and panel discussion on the role of culture and media on the 80th anniversary of World War II and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with contributions from peace researchers and cultural experts, including presentations on the “Hiroshima Panels”
3 June 12, 2025: Free film screening “Children 1945 – Witnesses 2025” by Rebekka Waitz.
Film with eyewitnesses from Frankfurt, Offenbach, and the region, followed by a discussion at Gallus Theater Frankfurt
4 August 6, 2025: Peace walk followed by a rally and remembrance, including a performance of O-Bon dances and floating lights on the Nidda (tributary of the Main)
5 August 9, 2025: Conmemoration at Paulsplatz
Demonstration organized by Frankfurt peace initiatives and organizations at the Paulskirche, commemorating Hiroshima and Nagasaki
6 September 9, 2025: “When States Fail – Are Cities Our Best Chance for Peace?”
Panel discussion with Eileen O’Sullivan, Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook, Daniel M. Untch, and Tina Cramer. Moderated by Karen Fuhrmann (Hessischer Rundfunk)
Musical contributions by the Japanese artists Fiori di Hiroshima
7 September 11, 2025: School am Ried
Student contributions in commemoration of the atomic bomb victims
Musical performance by the Japanese artists Fiori di Hiroshima
8 September 16, 2025: Special program on HR Info “Der Tag” – a one-hour broadcast on the topic “peace”
Photos: courtesy of City of the Frankfurt am Main