To Reflect, Not to Judge
This page exists not to condemn, but to remember.
In the fleeting span of human life, we each encounter memories we cannot escape.
May gratitude and understanding guide us as we live with them.
Common Misconceptions and Historical Realities
| Misconception | The atomic bomb was the decisive and sole cause of Japan’s surrender. |
|---|---|
| Overview | Truman’s diary and records from Potsdam show he believed Soviet entry into the war would bring Japan’s surrender. The later claim that “a million American lives were saved” has no basis in verified primary evidence. |
| Details | ▶ Read more |
| References |
• Truman Library “Decision to Drop the Atomic Bomb” — trumanlibrary.gov • Truman Diary (July 17–18, 1945) — trumanlibrary.gov • USSBS “Japan’s Struggle to End the War” (1946) — ibiblio.org • Stimson, “The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb” (Harper’s, 1947) — asianstudies.org (PDF) |
| Misconception | The Tokyo air raids targeted only military sites and posed no legal or moral issue. |
|---|---|
| Overview | In reality, the operation deliberately burned residential areas. From the standpoint of distinction and proportionality, it raises grave humanitarian questions and was inconsistent with existing treaties (Hague Regulations). |
| Details | ▶ Read more |
| References |
• USSBS Pacific Summary — ibiblio.org • Hague Regulations (1907) Article 25 — ICRC database / PDF • Tactical Report on Tokyo Raid (March 10, 1945) — National Security Archive |
“That is why we come to Hiroshima. So that we might think of the people we love — the first smile from our children in the morning; the gentle touch from a spouse over the kitchen table; the comforting embrace of a parent — and know that those same precious moments took place here seventy-one years ago. Those who died — they are like us.”
— Barack Obama, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, May 27, 2016
(White House Archives)