Here are pictures from Hiroshima two weekends ago. The trip was intense, particularly since we had the opportunity to hear a hibakusha, or atomic bomb survivor, speak. Paul Scott, our political science professor, arranged the entire thing. The woman, Miyoko Matsubara, was one of the Hiroshima Maidens after the war; she was severely disfigured after the bombing and underwent many surgeries. At one point during her speech, she held up her hands and said her fingers were stuck together after the bombing. It was inspiring to see this woman, who was has obvious health problems (she had trouble speaking and walking), come talk. Not only for an hour, but a prepared speech in English! She is one of only 87 or so hibakusha left today, and, according to Paul Scott, only 20 or so agree to talk about their experience. The story was emotional and sad, but she was so glad that we all came from many different parts of the world (hence why the speech was in English), because she wanted us all to go back to our countries and tell her story.
Shinkansen!! Also known as the fastest train in the world: a 6 hour bus ride or take this for an hour and a half!
Very large hanging ad for beef!
Lots of mikans on our way to the museum.
8:15am, August 6, 1945
This was the only thing I'd remembered about the museum from when I was little...only a small part of the display and artifacts!
Tricycle
Model of Hiroshima before the atomic bomb was dropped.
After
Memorial to all victims affected by the atomic bombs. 
The flame of peace (if you can see it).
Atomic Dome, looking up
An alarm system was placed around it a few years ago.
The river next to Peace Memorial Park
The statue built for the Children's Peace Memorial
The girl atop the statue is the famous Sadako Sasaki, who was diagnosed with and died of leukemia ten years after the atomic bombing (she was 12 when she died). When she was in the hospital, she set a goal to fold 1000 origami cranes before she died (cranes are a symbol of peace and good luck). She did not make it to 1000. Afterward, her friends and other children built the memorial in her memory and hundreds of cranes are folded each year. 
Stone under the memorial. Reads: This is our cry. This is our prayer. For building peace in this world.
All made of paper cranes: these characters together (left to right here) stand for "peace" (heiwa)
Only a handful of origami cranes there...
There were SO many... 
The banner hanging on the left is from October of 2007
These ones have "peace" brush painted on each wing
...and more of the same 
With atomic bomb survivor Miyoko Matsubara after her talk. 
1 comment:
What is the atomic dome?
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