It’s Been 71 Years Since Bombing
[Have you ever planned to visit Hiroshima on August 6?]
It is natural that you live in other part of Japan and are interested in peace study. In fact, visitors of the Peace Memorial Museum have been increasing since President Obama’s visit in May 2016. Because it has been 71 years since bombing, the survivors have already become over 70 years old and people are losing the chance to hear their experience. Therefore, students in Hiroshima can’t answer correctly when the atomic bomb had been dropped these days. Because some countries still have nuclear weapons and trying to use them to rule the world, People should visit the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to know why nuclear weapons are no good.
[At the Peace Memorial Ceremony]
In Hiroshima, it has been rainy only once on August 6. It means the ceremony must be held in hot and humid weather even though it starts on 8 a.m. The attendance is supposed to be aware of heat stroke especially non-Japanese visitors who don’t really know it. You had better bring bottled water or sports drink and towel. The ceremony opens to public and admission free. After the ceremony, you may visit the Peace Memorial Museum or walk around in the park.
[The Space for Memorial for All A-Bomb Victims]
The Peace Memorial Park is well known for the space for memorial for all a-bomb victims; Japanese, Korean, and Chinese residents, American prisoners, etc. People gather there to remember their family and friends who died or being missed because of bombing especially on August 6. You might have a strange feeling or feel uncomfortable on that day if you live in or frequent Hiroshima. However, you don’t have to be afraid because you are also welcomed. You just should refrain from talking too loud or laughing. Also you should avoid smiling in front of memorials in the park especially Atomic Bomb Dome whenever you take pictures there. Because it really makes local people quite angry, you are expected to read between the lines.
[Memorial Service for A-Bomb Victims]
At night, floating lantern ceremony which is called “Toro Nagashi” is held at the Motoyasu River. People write down the message for peace on the side of lantern and put this on the river. There are 10,000 lanterns on the river and it is so beautiful and visionary. The lanterns are available for 600 yen each at the Rest House on the riverside. The A-Bomb Dome is also illuminated and people pray for the victims the whole day.
Yuko
Japan