Dr Hiromi Hasai was 14 years old when an atomic bomb was dropped on his hometown of Hiroshima.

Now, 66 years later, Dr Hasai will visit the region to tell of the horrific scenes with which he was confronted upon his return from a neighbouring town.

Dr Hasai will add a human component to arguably the most confronting and heart-wrenching exhibition to ever be staged in Australia.

The internationally-renowned A-Bomb: Hiroshima-Nagasaki exhibition will be displayed at The Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns, from 14 October to 16 November. 

It will be the first time the exhibition has visited Australia and Cairns is expected to be the only tour stop on this maiden voyage Down Under.

Visitors can expect an array of moving and thought-provoking photographs from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, along with everyday items that survived the deadly blasts of August 1945.

A child’s school uniform, a melted Crucifix, damaged roof tiles and glass containers and shrapnel recovered from a victim, will offer insight into the devastation caused by the atomic bombs.

“The A-Bomb: Hiroshima-Nagasaki exhibition tours the world as a reminder of war’s darkest hour and in the hope that we will never see history repeated,” said Mayor Val Schier.

“Cairns is a city that has actively used its local war history as a means to promote peace, creativity and friendship,” Cr Schier said.

A-Bomb will be part of a broader program of free exhibitions and events at Tanks Arts Centre, titled 'War in Profile'. 

These include an Australian Centre of Photography exhibition South:WAR, featuring images of conflict from around the world; artworks by American war veterans made on paper formed from old military uniforms;  and a collection of photographs taken in and around Cairns during World War II by Royal Australian Air Force wireless telegraphist, Bruce Downie. 

The exhibition will be accompanied by survivor testimonies and tours, at selected times from 22 to 24 October (with bookings recommended). 

In addition, a public forum – hosted by respected journalist George Negus – will address the topic: War – What is it Good For? on Friday 21 October.

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