Honolulu remembers Hiroshima and Nagasaki with film, music

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there will be a film projection at Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium on Wednesday and a musical performance at the University of Hawaiʻi’s Kennedy Theatre on Saturday.

KH
Katie Helland

August 07, 2025less than a minute read

Hiroshima named Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangardi an honorary citizen as part of exchanges between the sister cities on Aug. 4.
Hiroshima named Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangardi an honorary citizen as part of exchanges between the sister cities on Aug. 4. (Courtesy of Hiroshima City)

This week marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima on Aug. 6 and Nagasaki on Aug. 9. The City and County of Honolulu — which is a sister city of Hiroshima —  will host two commemorative events.

Hiroshima named Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangardi an honorary citizen as part of exchanges between the sister cities on Aug. 4.

On Wednesday, Aug. 6, there will be an outdoor film projection of “Lotus Body Hiroshima,” directed by Noe Tanigawa, with live performances by Butoh Master Hiroko Tamano and Taiko Master Kenny Endo at the Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium to commemorate the bombing of Hiroshima. The free event starts at 7 p.m. Details.

The art experience is part of the Renkon Project, which is being sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts and the Puʻuhonua Society with fiscal sponsorship from the Hoʻākea Source and Andy Warhol Foundation of the Arts.

On Saturday, Aug. 9, there will be a concert featuring Tanigawa’s film with contemporary dance by Peiling Kao along with taiko drumming performances to honor Nagasaki at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Kennedy Theatre. Details.

Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.

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Authors

KH

Katie Helland

Arts, Culture & Entertainment Reporter

Katie Helland is an Arts, Culture & Entertainment Reporter for Aloha State Daily.