81 Years Since the 'Yamanote Air Raid': Flower Offering at Omotesando on Monday, May 25th
On May 25, 2026, Minato City will hold a flower-offering ceremony at the 'Wa wo Nozomu' monument in Omotesando to mark the 81st anniversary of the Yamanote Air Raid. Co-hosted with a citizens' group, the event aims to pass on memories of war to future generations.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 22:00
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On Monday, May 25, 2026, a flower-offering ceremony will be held for the 81st anniversary of the Yamanote Air Raid at the 'Wa wo Nozomu' monument near the Omotesando intersection. Amidst the bustling Omotesando, this event serves as an opportunity to reflect on the large-scale air raid that caused many casualties, ensuring the memories of war are connected to the next generation.
The Yamanote Air Raid, which took place from the night of May 25 to the early hours of May 26, 1945, caused extensive damage to what is now Minato City (then Shiba, Azabu, and Akasaka Wards). Many people lost their lives around Omotesando, and the area was reduced to ashes.
In 2007, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the ward government, the city established the 'Wa wo Nozomu' (Yearning for Harmony) monument near the Omotesando intersection to mourn those lost in the war and to wish for peace. Since 2020, the citizens' group 'Executive Committee for the Meeting to Tell the Story of the Yamanote Air Raid' has led an annual call for flower offerings on May 25th. Since last year, the city has co-hosted this event. Through this offering, the city aims to ensure the memories of war do not fade and to provide a moment for all generations, especially the youth, to reflect on peace.
Overview of the 81st Anniversary Flower Offering
Date/Time: Monday, May 25, 2026, from 1:40 PM to 3:40 PM (Mayor Seike is scheduled to attend).
Location: In front of the 60th Anniversary Monument 'Wa wo Nozomu', Omotesando Intersection (3-6-12 Kita-Aoyama, Minato City).
Co-organizers: Minato City, Executive Committee for the Meeting to Tell the Story of the Yamanote Air Raid.
The Yamanote Air Raid, which took place from the night of May 25 to the early hours of May 26, 1945, caused extensive damage to what is now Minato City (then Shiba, Azabu, and Akasaka Wards). Many people lost their lives around Omotesando, and the area was reduced to ashes.
In 2007, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the ward government, the city established the 'Wa wo Nozomu' (Yearning for Harmony) monument near the Omotesando intersection to mourn those lost in the war and to wish for peace. Since 2020, the citizens' group 'Executive Committee for the Meeting to Tell the Story of the Yamanote Air Raid' has led an annual call for flower offerings on May 25th. Since last year, the city has co-hosted this event. Through this offering, the city aims to ensure the memories of war do not fade and to provide a moment for all generations, especially the youth, to reflect on peace.
Overview of the 81st Anniversary Flower Offering
Date/Time: Monday, May 25, 2026, from 1:40 PM to 3:40 PM (Mayor Seike is scheduled to attend).
Location: In front of the 60th Anniversary Monument 'Wa wo Nozomu', Omotesando Intersection (3-6-12 Kita-Aoyama, Minato City).
Co-organizers: Minato City, Executive Committee for the Meeting to Tell the Story of the Yamanote Air Raid.
FAQ
山の手空襲81周年献花はいつ、どこで行われますか？
令和8年5月25日（月曜）午後1時40分から午後3時40分まで、表参道交差点付近の港区区政60周年記念碑「和をのぞむ」前で行われます。
誰が献花を主催していますか？
港区と市民団体「山の手空襲を語りつぐ集い実行委員会」の共催で行われます。
記念碑「和をのぞむ」とはどのようなものですか？
港区が区政60周年に当たる平成19（2007）年に、戦災で亡くなった人々を悼み平和を願う目的で、表参道交差点付近に建立した記念碑です。
この献花はどのような目的で行われますか？
戦争の記憶を風化させることなく、若い世代をはじめ幅広い世代に語り継ぎ、平和について考える契機とすることを目的としています。
山の手空襲とはどのような出来事でしたか？
昭和20年5月25日の夜から翌26日未明にかけて行われた大規模な爆撃で、現在の港区（当時の芝区・麻布区・赤坂区）周辺でも多くの犠牲者が出た出来事です。