English Information

Collection of Materials related to the Atomic Bombing

As the library of the first city in the world to suffer an atomic bombing, Hiroshima City Library has long endeavored to collect materials on the subject. The collection, which contained 14,196 items at the end of 2003, continues to grow. Most are kept in the Hiroshima-related Materials Room at Central Library, but the Children’s Library and other libraries in the system also possess A-bomb-related materials.

Gekkan Chugoku Showa 21-Nen 8-Gatsu Go(Chugoku Monthly August 1946) Published by Chugoku Shimbunsha / Japanese only

Gekkan Chugoku Showa 21-Nen 8-Gatsu Go

Publication year 1946 Size 26cm
Number of pages 34p Classification number A05

The cover is a drawing of the mushroom cloud over the Hiroshima delta with the title “Atomic Bombing Commemorative Edition.” It is one of the earliest special publications on the atomic bombing that have been issued in Hiroshima. Though the descriptions show great restraint, it contains essays, journals, and hopeful photos of the still-scarred city.

Asahi GraphAugust, 6, 1952 Published by Asahi Shimbunsha / Japanese only

Asahi Graph

Publication year 1952 Size 37cm
Number of pages 26p Classification number A05

When real A-bomb reporting finally began after occupation censorship, this special edition on the atomic bombing considered the “first expose of A-bomb damage” was one of the early authoritative publications. The first 11 pages contain the photos that finally conveyed the nature of the atomic bomb and the catastrophe it wrought. The overwhelming response eventually led to sales of 520,000 copies, including additional printings. (Hurried additional printings were done in black and white.)

Shinbun Shiryo -- Genbaku(1)・2 (Newspaper Articles Atomic Bombing Volumes 1and 2)Edited by Hideo Odagiri / Published by the Japan Book Center / Japanese only

Shinbun Shiryo -- Genbaku(1)・2 (Newspaper Articles Atomic Bombing Volumes 1and 2)

Publication year 1987 Size 32cm
Number of pages - Classification number A07

Major newspaper articles on the atomic bombing from August 1945 to December 1980 are arranged in chronological order in a two-volume set. These articles carry titles indicative of the times, including “Firebombing of Hiroshima” on August 7, 1945 and “Enemy Drops New Bomb on Hiroshima” on August 8.

Heiwa Jiten (Peace Encyclopedia)Edited by Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation / Published by Kenso Shobo / Japanese only

Heiwa Jiten (Peace Encyclopedia)

Publication year 1991 Size 22cm
Number of pages 604p Classification number A31

This encyclopedia contains a broad range of information related to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and peace, including conflicts and wars around the world, peace research, and the peace movement. Chapter 13 (“Hibakusha”) and Chapter 20 (“The History of Hiroshima and Nagasaki”) provide particularly detailed facts and on the bombings along with explanations of terms. (First edition: 1985)

Hiroshima Genbaku Iryoshi
(History of Medical Treatment following the Hiroshima Atomic Bombing)Edited by Hiroshima Genbaku Iryoshi Editing Committee /
Published by Hiroshima Council for Counter-measures against Atomic Bomb Diseases / Japanese only

Hiroshima Genbaku Iryoshi

Publication year 1961 Size 22cm
Number of pages 792p Classification number A49

This major work presents information on rescue activities conducted by Hiroshima doctors after the atomic bombing as well as explanations of the bodily harm the bomb inflicted. The book was published to commemorate the Public Health Awards given to the Council, which furthered research on and treatment of A-bomb-related disorders. (In 1969, With the Survivors was published as a sequel.)

The Outline of Atomic Bomb Damage in Hiroshima Genbaku Higai no Gaiyou(English available) Edited and published by Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

The Outline of Atomic Bomb Damage in Hiroshima Genbaku Higai no Gaiyou

Publication year 1971 Size 22cm
Number of pages - Classification number A55

This booklet summarizes the A-bomb damage and Hiroshima City’s work for peace. It is available in English, Chinese, Hangul, Arabic, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian.

The Outline of Atomic Bomb Damage in Hiroshima Genbaku Higai no Gaiyou(English available) Edited and published by Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

The Outline of Atomic Bomb Damage in Hiroshima Genbaku Higai no Gaiyou

Publication year 1994 Size 21cm
Number of pages 32p Classification number A55

This booklet summarizes the A-bomb damage and Hiroshima City’s work for peace. It is available in English, Chinese, Hangul, Arabic, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian.

Goka wo Mita Shimin no te de genbaku no e wo
(I Saw the Fires of Hell Drawings of the bombing by the people)Edited by Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) /
Published by Japan Broadcasting Publishing Corporation / Japanese only

Goka wo Mita Shimin no te de genbaku no e wo

Publication year 1975 Size 21cm
Number of pages 93p Classification number A72

Collection of roughly 100 of the drawings sent to NHK in response to the broadcasting company’s call to “Leave drawings of the atomic bombing to posterity.” Even though the drawings were created 30 years after the bombing, the images burned into the minds of survivors emanate a power that could only be conveyed by one who was there.

Genbaku Taikenki(A Record of A-bomb Experiences)Edited by Hiroshima City Social Welfare Bureau Social Education Division Published by the Hiroshima Peace Association / Japanese only

Genbaku Taikenki(A Record of A-bomb Experiences)

Publication year 1950 Size 19cm
Number of pages 134p Classification number A99

Hiroshima City compiled this collection of personal accounts five years after the atomic bombing. It consists of 18 full accounts and 16 extracts from the 164 accounts submitted by survivors. At the time of publication, it was not widely distributed, but when it was revised and republished 15 years later by the Asahi Shimbunsha, it found a wide readership.

Hiroshima Kenshi - Genbaku Shiryo Hen -
(History of Hiroshima Prefecture A-bomb Materials Edition)Edited and published by Hiroshima Prefecture / Japanese only

「所蔵の被爆文献資料」 広島県史

Publication year 1972 Size 23cm
Number of pages 1086p Classification number A21

This book is the first volume in the 27-volume set of the History of Hiroshima Prefecture, a compilation project begun in 1968. Materials related to the atomic bombing are found in the following chapters: Chapter 1 - Defense Structure towards the End of the War; Chapter 2 - Record of the A-bomb Disaster; Chapter 3 - Reports of A-bomb Study Groups; Chapter 4 - International Reaction to the Atomic Bombings; and Chapter 5 - Efforts for Peace.

Hiroshima Shinshi(Recent History of Hiroshima)Materials Edition1 (Tsuzuki materials) / Edited and published by Hiroshima City / Japanese only

Hiroshima Shinshi(Recent History of Hiroshima)

Publication year 1981 Size 22cm
Number of pages 525p Classification number A21

This book is the first volume in the 13-volume history that Hiroshima City began compiling in 1975. It systematically presents various materials related to studies of A-bomb damage conducted by Professor Masao Tsuzuki of Tokyo University Medical School, the first person to write about the research into and treatment of A-bomb-related disorders.

Hibaku 50 Shunen Hiroshima-shi Genbaku Hibakusha Engo Gyosei Shi
(Fifty Years after the Atomic Bombing-History of Survivor Assistance)Edited and published by Hiroshima City Public Health Bureau Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Department / Japanese only

Hibaku 50 Shunen Hiroshima-shi Genbaku Hibakusha Engo Gyosei Shi

Publication year 1996 Size 30cm
Number of pages 448p Classification number A36

A comprehensive history of the survivor assistance administration and system published on the 50th anniversary of the atomic bombing. [chronological tables, index]

Genbaku Dome Sekai Isan Toroku Kirokushi
(History of the World Heritage Registration of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Genbaku Dome)Edited and published by Hiroshima City Citizens’ Affairs Bureau Peace Promotion Office / Japanese only

Genbaku Dome Sekai Isan Toroku Kirokushi(History of the World Heritage Registration of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Genbaku Dome)

Publication year 1997 Size 30cm
Number of pages 162p Classification number A52

On December 5, 1996, the World Heritage Committee added the A-bomb Dome, already a symbol of peace, to the registry of World Heritage sites. To commemorate that honor, this compilation was published in 1997 to explain the background of that decision and provide a comprehensive collection of information relating to the A-bomb Dome.
[A-bomb Dome drawings, chronological tables]

Hibaku 50 Shunen Hiroshima no Hibaku Kenzobutsu wa Kataru - Mirai eno Kiroku -
(Architectural Witness to the Atomic Bombing - A Record for the Future -)Edited by the Research Council on A-bombed Structures / Published by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum / Japanese only

Hibaku 50 Shunen Hiroshima no Hibaku Kenzobutsu wa Kataru - Mirai eno Kiroku -

Publication year 1996 Size 30cm
Number of pages 399p Classification number A52

A record of architectural structures that survived the catastrophic destruction inflicted on Hiroshima by the atomic bombing. Abundant photos from the time of construction, the bombing, during reconstruction, and the present tell the story of A-bombed buildings, bridges, trees, etc. [essays, chronological tables]

Hiroshima Shiritsu Toshokan Shozo Genbaku Mokuroku - Genbaku wo Kataru 5000 Ken no Hon -
(Catalog of Hiroshima City Library Books on the Atomic Bombing - 5000 Books about the Atomic Bombing -)Edited and published by Hiroshima City Central Library / Japanese only

Hiroshima Shiritsu Toshokan Shozo Genbaku Mokuroku - Genbaku wo Kataru 5000 Ken no Hon -

Publication year 1995 Size 30cm
Number of pages 489p Classification number A02

On the 50th anniversary of the atomic bombings, Hiroshima City Central Library published this catalog listing the 5000 books (totaling 15,600 copies) in its collection that relate to the atomic bombings.