14. Japan
Japan’s 20th-century history was profoundly shaped by the devastation of World War II. In August 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, resulting in the immediate deaths of approximately 78,000 and 27,000 people, respectively, with total fatalities reaching around 140,000 and 70,000 by year’s end. These bombings led to Japan’s surrender and the end of the war. The aftermath necessitated extensive reconstruction efforts, with Hiroshima and Nagasaki rebuilding their cities and economies (pref.hiroshima.lg.jp). The legacy of these events continues to influence Japan’s culture and its commitment to peace.
