The world was shocked- the first atomic bombs hit the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6th, 1945. This marked the end of the World War; Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces in its aftermath. What was it like after the bomb dropped on Hiroshima? We can hardly imagine the aftermath of the atomic war assault on the beautiful Japanese city.

One of the most horrific tasks involved the collecting of dead bodies strewn all over the place. Also, the bodies had to be burned, and the rubble and debris collected. It was also necessary to survey and clear the much-ravaged 2.4 million square miles. This was a slow, painful process that took some four years to complete. Remarkably, the city of Hiroshima slowly and gradually returned to normalcy. So, what is it like visiting Hiroshima today?

Interestingly, decades after that fateful day in 1945, Hiroshima is now a beautiful, bustling city; it has resoundingly become a place where tourists love to visit. 1.1 million people live there. They enjoy a life that residents of New York, London and Paris would likely admire. Former Mayor of Hiroshima, Tadatoshi Akiba, who is an M.I T educated English speaking gentleman, once confessed that he was impressed with the efforts to build a brand new baseball stadium in 2005. The stadium would host the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, the city's proud baseball team. Hiroshima has several admirable stadiums, shipyards and automobile factories.

The architects had to rebuild a city that was virtually wiped off the world map in a literal sense. The city was to be rebuilt physically, emotionally and psychologically. Was there a guarantee that such a war-ravaged city would be restored to anything resembling a town? No! Hiroshima's return to normalcy was far from guaranteed. Naturally, the city's war survivors-in 1945- thought more about exacting vicious revenge than carrying out any rebuilding work. Of course, this wasn't surprising- the aftermath of the deadly atomic bombs had been intensely frustrating, devastating and seemingly irreversible. But those who had ";cooler heads"; eventually prevailed. Where would Hiroshima get the millions of dollars desperately needed for restoration purposes? Well, after much plea, Japan's occupation government finally permitted special subsidies to cities that had been badly damaged-like Hiroshima. The only requirement was a clear restoration plan.

Professor Norioki Ishimaru (of the Hiroshima International University) says Hiroshima's parliamentarians knew their demands would be granted with an ";accusing tone."; General Douglas MacArthur's headquarters in Tokyo had to be appeased before anything came from the occupation regime. So, the officials at Hiroshima came up with a grand idea to reinvent the city. There was a proposal to construct a large peace memorial; this would become the city's anchor. In the end, this became what we now know as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The park is-essentially- a 30-acre site near ground zero.

Kenzo Tange, the late famous Japanese architect, designed the epic park. The park was eventually completed in 1954. The Peace Museum ultimately became the park's emotional nucleus. It was specifically dedicated as a memorial to the nuclear war's terrible horrors. In the course of a few years, the occupation government continued giving the city financial aid, aiding Hiroshima's psychological and economic recovery. Soon, the city residents could access jobs; this provided more emotional impetus.

Today, the Peace Museum is a fitting picture of how Japan dealt with its neighbours during and after the war. Further, it's a great symbol of remarkable progress, never mind that Japan hasn't been credited for this; yes, there's always hope lurking in the corner. While Japan continues to mourn its peoples who perished in the horrific 1945 war, the Peace Museum is a clear symbol that the country managed to make peace with its neighbours at some of its worst moments.

Think of it: 80-year-old Sunao Tsuboi knows what it was like to be counted as a survivor of the nuclear war horrors in 1945. At the end of the war, Tsuboi fell in love with a woman, but her parents refused to accept any marriage proposals; how could their daughter be married by an A-bomb survivor who might not live long? The lovers were desperate; both attempted suicide. Fortunately, they didn't die and were eventually married after the parent's ";ascertained"; Tsuboi would live longer.

You likely know Japan has many world-renowned historical sites. These include epic temples, parks and castles; yes, they are all there in this beautiful country. The country is also well-known for its special blend of the modern and ancient. This features modern technology, electric cars, and robot cafes. Do you love to delve into history and culture? Then you’ll probably marvel at Japan's many historic sites and tourist attractions. Japan has a long, complex and fascinating history; many are blown away by these elements. You can learn much about Japan by tracing the country’s ancient customs and traditions. Here are some of Japan’s most famous historical sites:

Kyoto Imperial Palace

This palace was, until 1868- the Japanese Imperial family’s home. From then, the authorities moved Japan’s capital city from Kyoto to Tokyo. Significantly, the Kyoto Imperial Palace remains a primary part of the larger Kyoto Imperial Park; it’s located right at the heart of Kyoto city. While around this place, make sure you visit the Sento Imperial Palace as well. As fate had it, the Kyoto Imperial Palace was burned down years later, but clever architects restored it recently (in 1855). The current complex is defined by gardens, numerous gates and a great hall. You can visit the Kyoto palace without booking earlier. Note, however, that visitors aren’t allowed to enter the building.

Kyoto Golden Pavilion

The Zen temple, located in Northern Kyoto, is renowned as one of Japan’s most photographed temples. At the same time, it’s among the most historically significant monuments. This makes the Kyoto Golden Pavilion rank among the worthiest places to visit in Japan. You might guess it from the very name ";Kyoto Golden Pavilion-"; (the temple is literally covered in gold leaf; it’s made up of three floors. The Kyoto Golden Pavilion is a renowned former retirement residence of Shogun Ashikaga. After Ashikaga’s death in 1408, the place was changed into a Zen temple. The temple’s structure was eventually taken through several rebuilding processes; its current structure was designed more recently in 1955. To access this place, you can use bus number 205 or 101 from the Kyoto station or travel to the Kitaoji Station through the Karasuma line. The pavilion overlooks a beautiful, well-endowed pond on the sidelines.

Meiji Jingu (Tokyo)

You’ll find the Meiji Shrine historical monument in Shibuya, Tokyo. The architects built this shrine in dedication to the spirits of Empress Shoken and Emperor Meiji. The latter (Emperor Meiji) is famously known for making sure Japan was opened up to the West. It’s among Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines. The architects built the shrine on rusty, quiet land. It has a spacious park that spans 200 meters; the park is located behind a 12-meter tori gate; a visitor must pass through it to get to where the shrine is. Admission to this shrine is free- visitors will find the Meiji Shrine open anytime-from sunrise to sunset. You can also use the JR Yamanote line (on your way down to the Harajuku station) to get to the shrine.

Sensoji Temple (Tokyo)

Tokyo’s Sensoji’s Temple is renowned as the city’s oldest temple. Since Tokyo is so full of temples, it’s quite remarkable that the Sensoji Temple has existed for the last 1,500 years. The shrine hosts one of the largest souvenir markets in the city. It also hosts several attractive locations that draw hordes of tourists each year- among these is the famous Kaminarimon Gate. The temple is indispensable for tourists because of its cultural and historical significance; it offers excellent opportunities for sightseeing. If you ever visit Tokyo, make sure you don’t miss out on the tourist-loved Nakamise Shopping Street. It doesn’t take more than 17 minutes to ride a train from the Tokyo railway station to the precincts of the Sensoji Temple.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a beautiful seaside city located in the Kanagawa Prefecture; it takes an hour’s drive from Tokyo city to reach Kamakura. In the 12th century, Kamakura was recognized as Japan's political centre. And in the 14th century, when the city’s government collapsed, Kamakura remained steadfast as Eastern Japan’s major political centre. Well, the 14th-century story was a sharp contrast to the city we know today- a city that- although small- is ever filled with hundreds of tourists, an abundance of temples, shrines and historical monuments. Further, Kamakura’s sand beaches are famous as a crowd favourite, particularly during summer. While visiting the famous city, some top attractions include the Hokokuji Temple, the Great Buddha, Kenchoji Temple, the Zeniarai Benten, and the Hachimangu Shrine.

If you wish to pick the world’s top cities, that may described as international fashion havens, Tokyo will feature among these. Indeed, some have described Tokyo as a major shopping haven where visitors can virtually buy whatever items they need. Yes, the city has several hubs of high-end fashion that can compete with the best of the best anywhere.

Whether you wish to buy some traditional craft items, or pick something associated with the trendiest high-end products in the market, Tokyo is the place to go. Moreover, you should make sure that everything you buy is genuinely made in Japan. No fake items here. You can also get countless gadgets and plenty of other souvenirs that cannot be found anywhere in the world.

What is more, Tokyo has many neighborhoods which can cater for all your shopping cravings. It does not matter if the activity that pleases you at the moment is merely some window-shopping, or that you want to buy items from the best department store in this part of the city. Yes, even if you want to buy a few used goods, everything is available in Central Tokyo or its many suburbs. The choice is simply yours.

Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka may be found just a short distance from Shinjuku. The buildings here are reasonably proportionate to the human elements associated with it. You can find some dyed textiles and other hand-made accessories. You just need to walk past the Kagurazaka suburb slopes to the Lidabashi station. Here you will find a good number of stores selling beautiful wooden sandals, purses made from the famous Kimono fabric and geta items. Deep inside the Kagurazaka area, you will find several stores selling sweets, puppets and other fancy items. These are typically sandwiched somewhere between the famous pachinko parlors and rows of pharmacies.

Asakusa

Asakusa has been described as the veritable dwelling place for a mixture of special interests: Merchants and artisans. The streets of Asakusa can be said to be littered with many alleyways and tight lanes. There is also a wide-range of products and goods on sale. These range from beautiful curtains to vintage curious. There are some fantastic gift shops around the area of Nakamise Dori. Here, you can get a good many souvenir hunters and similar products of the same type.

Daikanyama and Naka-Meguro

The suburb is found near the Ebisu area. You can gets lots of fashion boutiques dotting the place, as well as a host of nice cafes. Just a few minutes walking away, you will get shops with plenty of second- hand products and goods, as well as many lounge bars. Of course, if you love cultural things, then you cannot fail to visit the Vase Tokyo. It will not disappoint you doing so. The place is a hub of the best of Japanese culture.

Ginza

Ginza is one of the most famous shopping places in Tokyo. It is well-known as the home of several posh boutiques. An example is the Mitsokushi or Dover Street enclaves. You may also visit Etoya. This is one place that a visitor will rarely want to miss visiting. This building features at least nine stories full of supplies. What about getting to visit the infamous Hakuhinkan? You can buy an endless supply of top-quality toys here. You can get a mixture of the best, top-quality shopping complexes as well as some common, down-to-earth retail establishments selling ordinary Japanese crafts. Yes, this place is the perfect reflection of Japan’s consumer culture- a most varied industry by its nature.

Roppongi

Roppongi is famous for its many bars and pick- up spots that dot the city. It is also famous as the place that houses Tokyo’s most interesting showrooms. Among the most famous and fascinating entertainment and dining areas here are the Tokyo midtown and Roppongi Hills. Are you a general lover of issues to do with interior design? You are welcome to visit the Roppongi galleries and the Axis design shops. Yes, anyone is always welcome to visit the legendary Samurai weapons or the Japan Sword, all located in the Rappongi area.

Shibuya

Shibuya is recognized as a hot spot for Tokyo’s teenagers. As expected, such young people are always fascinated with the latest trends in the world. It is a great experience for people of all ages to visit Shibuya. You can get the most outrageous apparels strewn all over the corners. The music shops will likely be blaring with the trendiest elements of these when you visit. In every corner, you will find the hip kids flaunting their most recently acquired items. You can also get a great variety of teenage wear and the latest electronic gadgets.

Yes, Tokyo will never disappoint its visitors.

On July 7, 2021, The Agency for Cultural Affairs opens a new art exhibit at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal as part of their "CULTRE GATE to JAPAN" initiative. Six artists who are active in the field of Media Arts are exhibited at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal as well as on the web, with the aim of promoting the appeals of Japanese culture and sharing it with the world.

The theme of the exhibition at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal is "Back TOKYO Forth". Six artists who are active in the field of Media Arts (art, entertainment, animation, and manga) participate in this project and exhibit their works at the venue, the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. The concept, "Back TOKYO Forth", is a coined phrase from back and forth combined with Tokyo in the middle. It will express the possibility of new Media Arts for the world from Tokyo, thinking over the issues the current society faces between past culture (Back) and the direction toward the future (Forth). In addition, the website provides the charm of Japanese culture through contents that introduce artists' research and their production process until the exhibition of their works, as well as the exhibited works on the website.

Midway Stone by FUJIKURA Asako

Completed her master's course at the Graduate School of Film and New Media, Tokyo University of the Arts, in 2018. She assembles scenes that release people from the continuation of time and sprawl in a modern city. Using images generated by 3DCG, she is involved in as images, installations, and AR. Her solo exhibitions include "Colony Highway Broadcast" (emergencies! 035) (NTT Inter Communication Center [ICC], Tokyo, Japan, in 2018). Her group exhibitions include "Close to Nature, Next to Humanity" (Taitung Art Museum, Taitung, Taiwan in 2020).

blank clocks by IGUCHI Kota

Born in 1984. He founded TYMOTE in 2008 while he was studying at the Science of Design, College of Art and Design, Musashino Art University, and then founded a creative association CEKAI Corp. in 2013. Being active as a movie director ranging from motion graphics to real video images focusing on dynamic design, he excels at team building based creative direction. Awards that he won include the Tokyo TDC Award 2014, D&AD Yellow Pencil Award 2015, and the NY ADC Gold Award 2015. Visiting professor at Kyoto University of the Arts.

Synesthesia X1 - 2.44 by Synesthesia Lab feat. evala (See by Your Ears)

The Synesthesia Lab is an experimental R&D lab focused on synesthesia and the architecture of other multi-sensory experiences. In 2019, Enhance and Rhizomatiks teamed up to develop the "Synesthesia X1 - 2.44" — an immersive synesthetic experience device equipped with two speakers and 44 actuators that wraps you in a world of sounds, haptic, and lights. A further collaboration with sound artist evala titled "Synesthesia X1 – 2.44 feat. evala (See by Your Ears)" was unveiled at Media Ambition Tokyo 2019 (MAT). For "Back TOKYO Forth", evala (See by Your Ears) returns to join in with Enhance and Flowplateaux on their newly designed synesthetic experience.

Tokyo Behavior by TSUDA Michiko

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1980. Ph.D. Film and New Media Studies at the Graduate School of Film and New Media, Tokyo University of the Arts. Stayed in New York as grantee of the Asian Cultural Council(ACC) in 2019. Tsuda focuses on creative work based on the characteristics of video. Recent group exhibitions include "Inter+Play: Arts Towada 10th Anniversary Exhibition Part 1" (Towada Art Center, Aomori) in 2020, "Aichi Triennale 2019: Taming Y/Our Passion" (Aichi), "Roppongi Crossing 2019: Connexions" (Mori Art Museum, Tokyo). Solo exhibitions include "Trilogue" (TARO NASU, Tokyo) in 2020, "Observing Forest" (Zarya contemporary art center, Vladivostok) in 2017.

AUN by UENO Senzo

Born in Kagoshima Prefecture in 1982. He focuses on movies, advertisements, and music videos. Starting his own business as a cinematographer in 2011, he has also been working as a filmmaker. He won a lot of awards mainly for his work in advertisements and music videos, including not only three major awards in the industry, i.e., the Cannes Lions Award, The One Show, and the Clio Award, as well as the D&AD award, New York Festivals award, ACC Award, and Grand Prize, Gold Award, and Best Cinematography in competitions, such as the Japan Media Arts Festival.

Structures of Liquidity by UMEZAWA Hideki + SATO Koichi

UMEZAWA Hideki / Born in Gunma Prefecture in 1986. He completed his master's degree at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts. He produces his works based on the prelinguistic feeling one perceives in the circumstances and the interest in the complexity of natural phenomena. He has participated in exhibitions held in Paris and Dublin and was engaged in work at a national electronic music studio known as EMS while staying in Stockholm. Awards he won mainly include Prix Presque Rien 2015 at the Luc Ferrari International Competition. SATO Koichi / Born in Tokyo in 1990. He completed his master's degree at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts. From an interest in geography, ecology, and gender, he produces the installations complexly combining images and nonvisual media, such as sound, and odors. multiple odors. His main solo exhibitions include "Crepuscular Gardens / Hankaika-no-niwa" at the Shiseido Gallery in 2018.

Beginning in February of 2021, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan will launch an innovative cultural promotion project called "CULTURE GATE to JAPAN". Held at seven airports across Japan as well as the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, artists and creators active in the field of Media Arts will exhibit artworks inspired by the unique culture of each area with the goal of communicating the broader appeal of Japanese culture.

The global effects of the novel coronavirus have made it difficult to meet new people and experience new cultures in person. However, that should not interrupt the exchange of art, ideas, and culture. Through this project, we hope to continue providing people around the world with the same sense of wonder and joy felt when encountering a new culture.