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Tokyo, Japan – As the number of surviving witnesses dwindles, a renewed push for a formal apology from the Japanese government regarding the prolonged suffering of civilians during the final stages of World War II is gaining momentum. Activists argue the government’s delayed surrender contributed too needless devastation, notably from the extensive firebombing campaigns.
Activist Yoshikazu Hamada advocates for a government apology for the prolonged civilian suffering caused by the delay in Japan’s surrender in 1945. (Foreign Correspondent: James Oaten)
The firebombing of tokyo, conducted primarily by the United states Army Air Forces between March 1945 and August 1945, resulted in the deaths of over 100,000 civilians and left much of the city in ruins. The most devastating raid occured on the night of march 9-10, 1945, destroying approximately 15.8 square miles (41 square kilometers) of the city.