Seeds from trees that survived the Hiroshima atomic bombing have taken root in Leicester, ahead of the 80th anniversary of Victory Over Japan (VJ) Day.
Gifted by the Mayors for Peace organisation—which works with Hiroshima and Nagasaki to share seeds from “hibaku” (survivor) trees—these seeds were harvested from a ginkgo tree still standing in Hiroshima’s Shukkeien Garden.
Picture credit: University of Leicester
The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 killed over 200,000 people and led to Japan’s surrender, ending the Second World War. The 80th anniversary of VJ Day will be marked on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Leicester City Council accepted the seeds and asked the University of Leicester’s Botanic Garden team to grow them. Six have successfully germinated. One sapling will be planted in the Botanic Garden; the others will go to local schools and community groups.
Sir Peter Soulsby, Mayor of Leicester, said: “The trees that survived Hiroshima are extraordinary symbols of hope. I hope these ginkgo saplings become lasting symbols of peace in Leicester.”
Professor Nishan Canagarajah, University of Leicester, added: “We are honoured to grow these seeds. May the saplings stand as living memorials to those lost and as reminders of the futility of war.”
To commemorate the anniversary, a civic reflection service will be held at Leicester Cathedral on Thursday, August 14 at 5:30pm. A commemorative flag will fly at the Town Hall, with a floral display and remembrance book available.
Additional events include:
- A rare 1945 VJ Day concert poster on display at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
- Origami Peace Crane workshops and a reading of The Peace Crane Story at Central Library
- Book displays and personal wartime stories of Leicester soldiers on the Story of Leicester website: storyofleicester.info
