6-2-2Reconstruction and the Peace Memorial City Construction Law

Soon after the war, many plans were proposed for Hiroshima’s recovery. In 1946, the city adopted a reconstruction plan, but implementation was hampered by financial and other difficulties. To overcome these obstacles, Hiroshima’s municipal government sought assistance from the national government and secured passage in 1949 of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law. This law promoted the construction of peace memorial facilities, including Peace Memorial Park, as well as roads, bridges, and other urban infrastructure. As land redevelopment progressed and barrack-style housing disappeared, Hiroshima’s appearance improved dramatically.