Hiroshima and the a-bomb

The past two days in Hiroshima have been rich, rewarding and exhausting all at the same time. We have been guided on personal tours of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum that teaches about the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II and the anti-nuclear weapons campaigns that sprouted because of these incidences and the Peace Memorial Hall that commemorates those who died and those who have survived the atomic bombings in Japan in 1945 and the Peace Memorial Park. We also had a chance to talk to the director of the museum and discuss with him the museums current involvement in raising awareness around Japan and the world about the destructive capabilities of nuclear weapons. He and the current mayor of Hiroshima are very active in Mayors for Peace, a program committed to promote the solidarity of cities towards the complete abolition of nuclear weapons. It is a unique approach to raising awareness amongst citizens about nuclear weapons while at the same time challenging nation-states of their complicity in not abolishing nuclear weapons. Here are some pics from the trip so far:

This morning, we had the opportunity to listen to an atomic bomb survivor from here in Hiroshima. He told of his experience of the day that changed his and the lives of citizens in Hiroshima and following weeks and years. He was a 16 year old student in school just outside the epicenter of the bombing. Amazingly, he escaped that day with nary a physical scratch or scar, though the mental images of that day are still etched in his memory. One of the most memorable things he recalled was having to walk ten kilometers just to reach a train station that could take him back home to see his mother that day. While walking to the train station he saw people walking around like zombies with seared and melting skin murmuring "Omizu wo kudasai" (or "Water please") The following pictures show how people kept asking for water to relieve their burning sensations:

It is hard to imagine how I could survive an emotionally debilitating experience like that; that this man has and recalls that experience to teach others is amazing to me!

This afternoon we visited two peace research institutes in Hiroshima: Hiroshima Peace Institute and Hiroshima Peace Builders Center. We held discussions with their researchers and staff about their current work and views on peace work and studies today. Just as in our program and the various interest of the Peace Fellows at ICU, I also learned about the assortment of work that goes on in the real-world on this issue too. In a way, it is very nice to know that every individual, in his or her own way, can contribute to making our world more peaceful.

Tomorrow we will have a chance to relax and enjoy some local sites, food and people. We will go to Miyajima, a small island near Hiroshima that is known for its red temple gate floating in the water just in front of the island and the deer that roam freely on the island too. I think the place is also known for momiji manju or a sweet cake in the shape of a maple leaf with filling inside. We also have dinner plans with local Rotarians. More pictures and stories to come!

JRG