Japan

On August 6, 1945, during World War II, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. This was the first time a nuclear weapon was used in warfare. The bombing destroyed most of the city and resulted in the deaths of approximately 140,000 people by the end of the year due to the explosion and subsequent radiation sickness. This event played a significant role in the surrender of Japan and the end of World War II.

On August 9, 1945, just three days after the bombing of Hiroshima, the United States dropped a second atomic bomb, this time on the city of Nagasaki. This second bombing resulted in the deaths of an estimated 70,000 people by the end of the year. Along with the bombing of Hiroshima, it contributed to Japan's decision to surrender, effectively ending World War II.

The Constitution of Japan, also known as the postwar constitution or the Constitution of Japan of 1947, was enacted on May 3, 1947. This constitution instituted a parliamentary system of government and guaranteed fundamental human rights. It renounced the right to wage war, effectively demilitarizing Japan following World War II, and is still in effect today.

The 1964 Summer Olympics were held in Tokyo, Japan, marking the first time the Olympics were held in Asia. This event showcased Japan's recovery from World War II and was a turning point for the nation's international image. The games were notable for the introduction of the Shinkansen bullet train and marked the first broadcasting of the Olympics via satellite.

The United States returned control of Okinawa, which it had administered since the end of World War II, to Japan on May 15, 1972. This represented the culmination of years of negotiations and a significant step in post-war normalization between the two nations. It allowed for economic and social integration of Okinawa into Japan.

The Great Hanshin Earthquake, also known as the Kobe earthquake, struck on January 17, 1995, with a magnitude of 7.3. It devastated the city of Kobe and surrounding areas, leading to the death of over 6,000 people and causing billions of dollars in damage. It was one of the deadliest earthquakes in Japan's history and spurred improvements in seismic building codes.

On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, triggering a massive tsunami that devastated the Tohoku region. This event led to over 15,000 deaths and caused the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. It is one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded and had widespread effects on Japan's infrastructure, economy, and nuclear policy.

The Reiwa era began on May 1, 2019, following the abdication of Emperor Akihito and the accession of his son, Emperor Naruhito. This marked the first imperial abdication in over two centuries and the beginning of Japan's Reiwa period, characterized by hopes for peace and prosperity. The name 'Reiwa' stands for beautiful harmony.

On August 28, 2020, Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, announced his resignation due to health issues related to ulcerative colitis. His tenure was marked by efforts to revitalize Japan's economy and assert a stronger presence in international affairs. His resignation ushered in a period of political change in Japan.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated on July 8, 2022, while giving a campaign speech in Nara. This shocking event was witnessed globally and was one of the most serious acts of political violence in Japan in recent history. Abe was a prominent figure in Japanese politics, and his death prompted a massive outpouring of condolences and reflections on political security in Japan.