6-2-2-1Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law

Municipal publicity vehicles calling for participation in the July 7 referendum
July 4, 1949 Courtesy of The Chugoku Shimbun

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law—a law created for a single city—was designed to rebuild Hiroshima as a city symbolizing the pursuit of lasting world peace. This law was passed unanimously in both chambers of the Diet in May 1949, then supported by a large majority in the July 7 referendum in Hiroshima. It was promulgated on August 6. This allowed the national government to offer special financial support and use of former military property and other nationally owned land. With this help, full-scale reconstruction of the city began.