Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Hiroshima Day in the Japanese Tea Garden

On Wednesday, August 6, the Gardens with the San Francisco Interfaith Council, Japanese American Religious Federation of San Francisco, Consulate General of Japan, San Francisco Office of Protocol, and United Religions Initiative, along with the Mayors’ Office commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings with a blessing service for peace in the Pagoda Plaza where there are two descendants of gingko trees that survived the Hiroshima nuclear blast planted.

The Japanese Tea Garden is a living tribute to Japanese culture, resilience, and the enduring legacy of its caretakers, like Makoto Hagiwara, who was unjustly interned during WWII.

We honor not only the victims of the atomic bombing but also the broader Japanese and Japanese American experience to transform the garden into a place of remembrance and peace, offering everyone a chance to reflect on the devastating costs of war and the profound strength of those who seek healing and reconciliation.

Recognizing Hiroshima Day also reflects the Gardens of Golden Gate Park’s commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, centering the voices of those historically marginalized by war, xenophobia, and racial injustice, while affirming shared human values like peace, dignity, and belonging. During the event, Haneen Khalid was presented with the Gorbachev/Schultz Youth Award by Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons and thanked for her dedicated to a future free of nuclear weapons. By honoring this day, the Gardens become more than a public space — they become a platform for education, empathy, and unity across cultures.

Photos by Bill Wilson and Marissa Fong