Hiroshima was a key transportation hub. At the beginning of the Showa Era, the population had reached 200,000. The Showa Era was a term used as the years of 1926 to 1989. This city with its number of institutions on a higher learning level also became one of Japan's most best military cities. Photographs and film also reveal a city full of energy, and yet, the war was impacting nearly every aspect of people’s lives.
Chaotic conditions made accounts most difficult. Some citizens were vaporized