Sustaining the World Peace:

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Day 6

Tour of the park

Our day began at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where Peace Volunteers guided us through its monuments. From the solemn A-bomb Dome to the Children’s Peace Monument honoring Sadako Sasaki, each site held deep significance. The Peace Bell, Rest House, Memorial Cenotaph, and Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound were among the places we visited, with our knowledgeable guides sharing insights into their importance.

G7 Hiroshima Summit Commemorative Gallery

We then proceeded to the G7 Hiroshima Summit Commemorative Gallery, where we absorbed the messages conveyed by photographs and statements from seven world leaders who had visited Hiroshima in the pursuit of peace.

Engaging in a meaningful dialogue with the Peace Volunteers, we explored our individual interpretations of peace and its relevance in our respective nations. Surprisingly, many of us shared similar criticisms of how our nations approach peace efforts. Yet, we recognized that genuine peace-building requires self-awareness and a willingness to address shortcomings.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Day 7

Inside the Museum

Our day commenced with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The museum's detailed narratives of the lives lost during the atomic bombing left an impact on us, ensuring that the stories of the victims will stay with us indefinitely.

In a profoundly moving encounter, we had the privilege of meeting Ms. Keiko Ogura, an atomic bomb survivor, who shared her firsthand experience and the enduring aftermath of the bombing. Her lecture was deeply insightful, leaving a lasting impression on our hearts. One of our students was fortunate enough to have their notebook signed by her, a cherished memento of the encounter. During a luncheon, we were humbled to hear the impactful stories of Ms. Sadae Kasaoka, another survivor, and her niece-in-law, Ms. Sachiko Hiraoka, an atomic bomb legacy successor. Their resilience and kindness touched us deeply.

During a luncheon, we were humbled to hear the impactful stories of Ms. Sadae Kasaoka, another survivor, and her niece-in-law, Ms. Sachiko Hiraoka, an atomic bomb legacy successor. Their resilience and kindness touched us deeply. Following lunch, we were enlightened by a lecture delivered by Mr. Jeffery Hart, former chief of the Public Relations and Publications Office at The Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF). His comprehensive insights shed light on the profound impact of radiation on both human health and the environment.

In a symbolic gesture of peace, Maria, one of our students, donated 1000 origami peace cranes she meticulously folded by hand to the museum. These cranes now grace the Children’s Peace Monument within Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, serving as a testament to our commitment to peace. While some of us retreated to the hotel for rest, others seized the opportunity to meet with Dr. Nassrine Azimi, the co-founder and coordinator of Green Legacy Hiroshima. Dr. Azimi's enlightening discussion highlighted the organization's noble mission of donating saplings from trees that survived the atomic bombing to countries worldwide, including our university, where a ginkgo sapling now thrives in the courtyard.

Exploring Japan: Day 8

Today we embarked on a meaningful journey to Shukkeien Garden, where we encountered the mother ginkgo tree, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Standing tall as a symbol of endurance, the tree's presence served as a poignant reminder of the city's resilience. The garden also housed a touching memorial dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing, honoring their memory with reverence and respect. Continuing our exploration, we marveled at the beauty of Hiroshima Castle and Hiroshima Shrine, captivated by their timeless elegance and historical significance. At the Hiroshima Peace Creation Fund, we students were warmly welcomed and treated to a breathtaking view of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park from the organization's building. The encounter provided a unique perspective on the city's ongoing efforts for peace and reconciliation.

Exploring Japan: Day 9

We visited the Memories of Friends exhibit which depicted the stories of survivors, how they dealt with the loss of their friends, as well as survivors’ guilt. We were shocked to learn that initial survivors of the atomic bombing, though grateful to have persevered, eventually began to question why they survived as opposed to their friends. This created a burden in their hearts that stayed with them for the rest of their lives. The layout of the exhibit, and the journey it took one through left a lasting impression, for it demonstrated how the tragedy did not only physically impact the victims, but had lingering effects on their mental state as well. After the exhibition, we took a ferry to Miyajima island, which was also impacted by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, although to lesser extent. As we approached the island, we could see its beauty from afar. Upon arriving, we saw many deer! They appeared cute, but showed aggression when presented with the possibility of a treat. Later on, we proceeded to Miyajima Shrine, considered one of the three wonders of Japan. As we wandered through the temple, we admired the architecture and the unique placement of the shrine. We agreed that the temple was deserving of its title as a wonder of Japan. After viewing the temple, we split into two groups. One group took a cable car to the top of the mountain to see the breath-taking view of the island. The other half decided to visit the variety of shops that were there. A smaller group decided to get ice cream and eat it next to the ocean view, but did not expect to be interrupt by deer who were desperately trying to get a sweet treat. nFortunately, we were able to escape the island safely. We now have some “deer” memories to look back on.

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