Just after midnight on March 10, 1945, the US carried out a massive incendiary air attack on eastern Tokyo, unleashing a firestorm that devastated this densely urban area of wooden and paper houses. By sunrise, more than 100,000 people had been killed, and a quarter of the city wiped off the map—the most destructive air raid of any war in history. For years the survivors have campaigned for a public memorial and museum, and for some token compensation for the loss of their homes, loved ones and livelihoods. But the Japanese government continues to ignore their appeals, while former soldiers have been treated generously by the state. ‘Paper City’ tells the story of three survivors as they launch one final campaign to leave behind a record of this forgotten tragedy. Using paper as a central metaphor, ‘Paper City’ explores the power and frailty of memory. In giving a voice to the firebombing survivors, the film shines a light on the devastating and lasting impact of civilian-targeted air strikes, which continue around the world to this day.