Hiroshima is a historic city on Japan's western coast, and is known for its Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing.

The Hakone Ekiden, a long-distance relay race held annually between Tokyo and Hakone, is one of the most prestigious races in Japanese college athletics.

Japan's surrender in World War II was announced on August 15, 1945, and marked the end of the war in the Pacific.