Hiroshima, a name synonymous with unimaginable destruction and human suffering, has become a symbol of hope and rebirth. So do cities which have faced a host of shocks including earthquakes, hurricanes, coastal flooding, and storm surges, as well as wartime destruction, such as in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
When thinking of Hiroshima, the first thing that generally comes to mind is the devastation caused by the atomic bomb in 1945. However, Hiroshima’s story is not just one of destruction, but also of remarkable recovery and resilience. As cities around the globe grapple with land-related challenges stemming from rapid urbanisation, climate change and infrastructure deficits, we can learn important lessons from Hiroshima’s experience. The city’s post-war reconstruction offers valuable lessons for urban development.
Urban land management and administration are the foundation for efficient urban development. However, many developing countries face the challenge of rapid urbanisation, outpacing the maturity of their land administration systems. This has led to issues such as informal settlements in disaster-prone areas, unregulated land use and uncontrolled urban sprawl. Strengthening urban land administration and management are, therefore, crucial steps toward creating more liveable and sustainable cities focused on the foundational role of securing land tenure and access for climate action.
Hiroshima’s post-war reconstruction is a compelling case study in both land administration and land management. The atomic explosion in 1945 caused catastrophic damage to the Motomachi district, which was where Hiroshima’s military facilities were concentrated. While some temporary public housing was built afterwards to house the survivors, Hiroshima still faced a severe housing shortage. As such, informal settlements sprung up along the city’s riverbanks, which were plagued by frequent fires. The area’s redevelopment became an urgent municipal issue.
The amount of traffic that flows into downtown Hiroshima often makes it hard for individuals to get around by car. This is due to the large volume of traffic courtesy of streetcars, private vehicles and other modes of public transportation. As Hiroshima has a large tram infrastructure that runs throughout the whole of downtown, it can make it difficult for automobiles to navigate the roads at times, causing delays and sometimes even accidents. This is especially troubling during rush hour.
Traffic in downtown Hiroshima has increased over the years, with the number of private cars increasing and causing accidents with local public transportation services. However, because of underdeveloped urban areas, individuals cannot give up using their own vehicles. Moreover, in the case of a storm or natural disaster, the first thing to suffer in these areas is always public transit. Due to these issues, Hiroshima aims to use radio frequency technology to develop a new infrastructure that uses communication-based intelligent transportation systems. In addition to this, Hiroshima is planning to develop other methods to connect the outer suburbs and inner city limits by creating rides sharing services.
However, Hiroshima’s experience offers several valuable lessons for cities like Bhubaneswar that are facing similar urban land challenges. First, how to readjust land using a practice known in Japanese as ‘Kukaku seiri’ which was a key part of Hiroshima’s reconstruction. After the explosion, land was redistributed among former owners after reserving space for green areas and roads such as the Peace Memorial Park and Peace Boulevard, resulting in major changes to the city’s urban layout.
Second, community involvement was a crucial element. The city’s recovery efforts involved significant community participation, with the city and prefecture government working with landowners and the people who lived in Motomachi’s informal settlements to propose infrastructure and facility improvements and move them into new homes, ensuring their needs and concerns were addressed.
Third, comprehensive planning was a key aspect of Hiroshima’s post-war recovery. The city’s planning, therefore, emphasised safety, green spaces and social cohesion, including elements like rooftop gardens and sports facilities. This comprehensive approach ensured that the city’s reconstruction was not just about rebuilding structures but also about creating a more liveable and inclusive urban environment.
There will be more opportunities to use AI technology to solve other problems throughout the area. Hiroshima will continue to evolve, and take its first steps into the future as a smart city, a place where people can live a safe and comfortable life. As cities around the world navigate the complexities of urbanisation, climate change, and infrastructure development, the lessons from Hiroshima’s post-war reconstruction offer a roadmap for a more sustainable, resilient, and peaceful future.
On the 81st anniversary of Hiroshima bombing, the city stands as an inspiring testament to resilience, adaptation and the power of community-driven reconstruction. With its commitment to sustainable urban solutions and civic engagement, Hiroshima has transformed from a war-torn ruin into a vibrant regional economic hub in western Japan, home to 1.2 million people.
Today, standing at the centre of Hiroshima, it is difficult to imagine that the city was nothing but ashes 80 years ago. Remembrance and peace education are at the core of Hiroshima’s identity, both physically and spiritually. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, featuring the symbolic Atomic Bomb Dome and a museum on the history of bombing, embodies the city’s commitment to remembrance and peace education. Once a densely-populated residential area, the park now serves as a sanctuary for healing and unity, welcoming both local citizens and visitors from around the world.
Hiroshima’s urban planning is globally renowned for its post-war reconstruction from total devastation into an International Peace Culture City. Guided by the 1949 Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law, the city utilised land readjustment (kukaku seiri) to build wide arterial grids, massive green spaces like Peace Memorial Park, and the iconic 100-metre wide Peace Boulevard.
Like Hiroshima, cities including Bhubaneswar have faced multiple shocks throughout history. Wars, natural disasters, pandemics and technological shocks have impacted city structure, that is, the spatial distribution of economic activities within cities.Ultimately, the most important lesson we can learn from Hiroshima is the profound value of peace. A memorial ceremony, held annually for nearly eight decades, pays tribute to the victims and reiterates the pledge for a peaceful future, as engraved on the cenotaph at the park memorial: “Please rest in peace, for the error will not be repeated.”
