A girl in 12 years old suffering atomic bomb desease - Temporal fist-aid station set-up at the Hiroshima Ohshiba Primary School - 11 October 1945 - Kikuchi Shunkichi

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were two devastating attacks carried out by the United States during World War II. On August 6, 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, killing an estimated 140,000 people. Three days later, on August 9, another atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, killing an estimated 70,000 people. The bombings were ordered by President Harry S. Truman in an effort to quickly end the war with Japan. The bombs were the first and only use of nuclear weapons in warfare, and their destructive power was unprecedented. The bombings have been the subject of much debate and controversy. Some argue that the bombings were necessary to end the war and save lives, while others argue that they were unnecessary and immoral acts of violence against civilians. The bombings also had a significant impact on the world, leading to increased fears of nuclear war and the beginning of the Cold War. They also sparked debates about the ethics of using nuclear weapons and the need for international arms control agreements.

Shunkichi Kikuchi's post-war photographs captured the everyday struggles and joys of Japanese life in the aftermath of World War II. His images often depicted the resilience and perseverance of the Japanese people as they worked to rebuild their country. One of Kikuchi's most iconic photographs is 'Children Playing in Rubble', which shows a group of children playing in the ruins of a bombed-out building. The image captures both the devastation of war and the resilience of children who can still find joy in the midst of destruction. Kikuchi also documented the daily lives of working class people, including farmers, fishermen and factory workers. His photographs often showed the harsh realities of their lives, but also highlighted their strength and determination. In addition to his documentary work, Kikuchi also experimented with abstract and surreal photography. His images often played with light and shadow, creating dreamlike and otherworldly compositions. Overall, Kikuchi's photographs offer a powerful insight into post-war Japan, capturing both the struggles and the beauty of everyday life. His legacy as a pioneering Japanese photographer continues to inspire new generations of artists today.

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