People watch as small bonfires are lit along the Motoyasu River in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome during a ceremony in remembrance of the victims on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP
Visitors release paper lanterns with written messages out onto the Motoyasu River to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP
Visitors light incense sticks and pray at the Peace Memorial Park ahead of the memorial service to mark the 80th anniversary of the WWII U.S. atomic bombing in Hiroshima. AP
A volunteer pushes paper lanterns out onto the Motoyasu River after they were released by visitors to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP
A woman lights incense sticks and prays at the Peace Memorial Park ahead of the memorial service to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima early. AFP
The Atomic Bomb Dome is seen in Hiroshima City. AFP
Attendees carry floral wreaths to hand over to city officials laying them at the Memorial Cenotaph, during the Peace Memorial Ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP
Invited guests queue to lay bouquets of flowers at the Memorial Cenotaph during the Peace Memorial Ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (C) lays a wreath at the Memorial Cenotaph during the Peace Memorial Ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP
A young man and woman prepare to ring the bell to remember those lost in the bombing, during the Peace Memorial Ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima. AFP