Hiroshima atomic bomb memorial is now Pokemon Go-free | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Hiroshima atomic bomb memorial is now Pokemon Go-free

Agency | ByAP, Tokyo
Aug 09, 2016 12:04 AM IST

Hiroshima officials have asked the developer of the popular Pokemon Go game to remove the virtual creatures featured in the game from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

It was a bit touch and go for Hiroshima officials, but the atomic bomb memorial park in the western Japanese city is now Pokemon No.

People play Pokemon Go near the Atomic Bomb Dome at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan.(AP Photo)
People play Pokemon Go near the Atomic Bomb Dome at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan.(AP Photo)

The city had asked the developer of the popular ‘Pokemon Go’ smartphone game to remove the creatures and sites that appeared in the park by last weekend, when a solemn annual ceremony was held to mark the anniversary of the atomic bombing that killed 140,000 people in the final days of World War II.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Read | Hiroshima urges Pokemon Go ban in memorial

The ‘Pokestops’ and gyms, and the clumps of players that they attract, were gone by last Thursday, but the monsters that gamers try to catch were still popping up. The city sent an email inquiry to game developer Niantic, and got a response at 1:56 a.m. Saturday, just six hours before the start of the ceremony.

“We were so relieved,” city official Tatsuya Sumida said. “We were worried if those ‘Pokemon’ were really going to go away in time.”

He said city officials expect the monsters will stay away from the park permanently.

“We consider the park a sacred place where we pray for the victims of the atomic bombings,” he said.

The game has also been removed from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, at the institution’s request.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On