More images of Japan


Tricycle and child's helmet, Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima.

On August 6, 1945, the U.S. bombed Hiroshima with the world's first atomic bomb, in the effort to get Japan to surrender in World War II. The Japanese have preserved the site of the bombing, the A-bomb Dome, and established the Peace Memorial Park which contains the museum, the Children's Peace Monument, the Memorial Cenotaph with the names of all the known bombing victims, and the Flame of Peace, which will not be extinguished until the last nuclear weapon on earth has been destroyed. The Peace Memorial Museum presents a very balanced picture of the event, explaining why it took place, the science behind nuclear weapons, and the harrowing effects on the environment and humanity. It is a very moving experience to visit this place.


Garlands of paper cranes, Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima
The paper cranes are folded by schoolchildren all over the world and sent to Hiroshima, where they are kept at the Children's Peace Memorial. This tradition was started by Sadako Sasaki, a 12-year-old A-bomb victim (hibakusha) who developed leukemia as a result of radiation exposure. Japanese legend holds that a sick person can be cured by folding 1000 paper cranes. Sadako died before reaching that goal, but her classmates continued after her death and established the Children's Peace monument.


The 11-metre tall Great Buddha (Daibutsu), Kamakura


Statues of the god Jizo commemorating the souls of stillborn or aborted children, Hase-dera temple, Kamakura


Rubbing the Buddha's belly for good luck!

Comments

  1. MarcusJuly 18, 2006 8:47 AM

    Isha,

    I love your travelling images, especially the amazing photos of local produce. Nice job!

    Do you think Mr Buddha ate a square watermelon and needs a tummy rub? He is one lucky dude.

    Marc

    ReplyDelete
  2. JorgeJuly 18, 2006 11:50 AM

    The kids at our dojo folded 1000 paper cranes and sent them to Hiroshima.

    It's a heart-warming tale - that girl's valiant effort. She got pretty far along, too.

    FYI - Some people can't comment on your blog that would like to comment...

    ReplyDelete

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