The city of Hiroshima remains an indelible reminder of the horror of atomic weapons, thanks to poignant monuments such as the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Peace Park, the eternal memorial flame, the thousands of paper cranes, and the iconic clock that stopped at 8:14, the moment the city was devastated by the nuclear detonation. Among these symbols, one silent but imposing testimony stands out: the hibakujumoku, trees that managed to survive the atomic explosion and that continue to stand, defying destruction and the passage of time.
What are Hibakujumoku?
In Japanese, hibakujumoku Literally means “bombed tree.” These trees, despite being located within a radius of just two kilometers from the epicenter of the explosion, not only withstood the extremely high temperatures and radiation, but also began to sprout again just weeks after the attack. Currently, it is estimated that some trees survive. approximately 170 trees of about forty different species in Hiroshima, some of them being national and universal symbols of hope.
Resilience and Survival: Why Did They Resist?
After the nuclear explosion, it was thought that no life form could persist near the epicenter. However, unlike humans and animals, plants have underground systems –such as deep roots and reserve organs– that allowed them to survive the extremely high doses of radiation and extreme heat. The initial radiation level was lethal, but the underground parts of the trees protected vital tissues. In this way, natural resilience of plants allowed many species to sprout again shortly after the catastrophe, symbolizing nature's ability to restore itself in the face of the impossible.
Some species were a surprisingly short distance from the epicenter: holly just 900 meters away, peonies at 800 meters, and camphor trees just over a kilometer away. Even the iconic ginkgo biloba from the Honkyo-ji temple, located a short distance from the center of the explosion, managed to survive and sprouted among the ruins.
Main species of Hibakujumoku
- Ginkgo biloba: Considered a living fossil, with over 200 million years of evolutionary history, it is remarkably resistant to both radiation and disease. Its fan-shaped leaves and medicinal use have made this tree an international symbol. It can live for over a thousand years and is associated with longevity and strength. the ginkgo It is part of the outstanding specimens as a symbol of resistance and hope.
- Cherry, persimmon, weeping willow, black pine and bay laurel: These are some of the species that, in addition to having sacred meanings in Japanese culture, were able to survive the bombing and the hostile environment. Each one represents Japanese beauty, hope, and natural resilience.
- Other relevant species: Azaleas, eucalyptus trees, fig trees, camellias, camphor trees, and giant ficus trees, among others, remain standing today and form part of a resilient and memorial landscape.
Location and recognition of surviving trees
Most hibakujumoku They are currently located in parks, temples and historic gardens such as the Hiroshima Castle’s most emblematic landmarks, the Shukkeien Garden and the temples of Hosen-ji and Myojoin-ji. Surprisingly, local authorities have not created official routes to visit these trees, so they can only be identified by discreet signs on their trunks, which show the silhouette of a tree framing the Peace Dome, accompanied by information about the species and the distance to the hypocenter.
Although there is no detailed map accessible to the public, The people of Hiroshima feel a deep appreciation for these specimens, and many citizens are willing to guide visitors to them, highlighting their relevance as symbols of life and overcoming horror.
The international legacy of the Hibakujumoku
The history of the hibakujumoku transcended Japanese borders thanks to initiatives such as Green Legacy Hiroshima, founded by citizens, institutions, and the UN, whose goal is to collect and distribute seeds from these trees around the world. Currently, dozens of countries host descendants of these surviving trees, as a symbol of peace and resilience.
In several cities abroad – including Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile and many others in America, Europe and Asia – seeds of ginkgo biloba, persimmon, camphor, and holly from Hiroshima. These actions seek raising awareness about the impact of nuclear weapons, preserving historical memory, and fostering a global culture of peace. Examples include the "Seeds of Peace" projects and the planting of hibakujumoku trees in botanical gardens, schools, and public spaces in numerous countries, reinforcing the universal anti-war message.
Cultural meaning and memory
The hibakujumoku They are not just disaster-resistant trees; they represent the collective recovery lesson, the natural strength and wisdom with which nature rebuilds what violence destroys. For the Japanese, the nomenclature itself is important: just as human survivors are referred to hibakusha (people exposed to the bomb), the trees were given a new word, avoiding a pejorative connotation and thus highlighting their unique character.
The meaning of hibakujumoku It goes beyond the botanical context. Its branches and roots are living witnesses of suffering and also of renewal. The seeds sent around the world constitute a living message of resistance, memory and hope, reminding us of the importance of learning from the past and working for a more humane and less destructive future.
The extraordinary survival of these trees in Hiroshima continues to amaze scientists, citizens and visitors, inspiring global social and ecological movements and establishing itself as one of the most powerful emblems of peace and rebirth in contemporary history.
