By Takumi Torii
An atomic bomb exhibition was held at BCC over the past two weeks, and I was involved in its management. In the project, there were four content areas: paper crane workshop, DVD showing, poster exhibition, and a testimonial speech by Hiroshima survivor, Hideko Tamura.
The purpose of the project was to remember history and wish for peace. I have to emphasize that it was not to criticize the United States as I was afraid some people would oppose this project. I think that to teach history and education are really difficult, and complex. When the standpoint was different, it was taught in different ways. I cannot understand which was correct. To begin with, there might not be any single answer. The war was a mistake for all sides. I wish those many people participating would be able to understand this meaning.
“Peace.” I know this beautiful and grand word is not understood all that easily. It may be because I have never experienced war or the atomic bomb. So they are impossible to be talked about easily. As for the Hiroshima survivor’s lecture, some very terrible stories exceeded my imagination. And now, in this world, some people still die of war, hunger, and sickness. So do little children. I have never lived with such a world at all. How can such a person as me really understand the word “peace?” I felt my own powerlessness because I have never known such experiences. This project became a chance for me to ask myself deeply: “What can we who live now do for the future?” It could be to recognize the lessons of history and collect everyone’s voice for peace. It was the only answer that I could get.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki are known as “the atomic bomb cities.” They are also the symbols to pray for peace in Japan. I think this project taught about the importance of peace, though actually feeling like the survivors is impossible. Some weapons that have a destructive scale more than the atomic bomb of Hiroshima exist in the world. Also, many wars still continue now. I think we must not forget Hiroshima and Nagasaki are only one prayer for peace in the history of the world. There is still a lot that should be achieved if there is to be peace in the world. I sincerely wish that we all can pray for peace and the day when the world is covered with pieces of peace arrives.
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