Children's Peace Monument, Hiroshima
The Children's Peace Monument stands as a poignant and heartfelt tribute to the innocent victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, with a special focus on one brave young girl named Sadako Sasaki. This monument, which serves as a symbol of peace and hope, was meticulously designed by Japanese artists Kazuo Kikuchi and Kiyoshi Ikebe.
The story behind the creation of the Children's Peace Monument is deeply touching. In the aftermath of the atomic bombing, a fundraising campaign was initiated by Japanese school children, including Sadako's classmates, to construct a monument dedicated to the memory of the thousands of children who tragically lost their lives due to the horrific event. On May 5, 1958, known as Children's Day in Japan, the main statue of the monument, titled 'A-bomb Children,' was unveiled to the public.
At the top of the statue stands a representation of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who captured the hearts of many with her courageous and inspiring story. Sadako was diagnosed with leukemia, often referred to as the "atomic bomb disease," a result of the radiation exposure from the bombing. While facing her illness, she took inspiration from a Japanese legend that folding a thousand origami cranes would grant a wish. Despite her frailty, Sadako devoted her days to folding paper cranes in the hope of a world without war and suffering.
Sadly, Sadako passed away at the tender age of twelve, having folded over a thousand cranes. Her indomitable spirit and wish for peace resonated with people worldwide, leading to the tradition of leaving origami cranes at the Children's Peace Monument as a symbol of hope, peace, and solidarity with the victims of war.
The story behind the creation of the Children's Peace Monument is deeply touching. In the aftermath of the atomic bombing, a fundraising campaign was initiated by Japanese school children, including Sadako's classmates, to construct a monument dedicated to the memory of the thousands of children who tragically lost their lives due to the horrific event. On May 5, 1958, known as Children's Day in Japan, the main statue of the monument, titled 'A-bomb Children,' was unveiled to the public.
At the top of the statue stands a representation of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who captured the hearts of many with her courageous and inspiring story. Sadako was diagnosed with leukemia, often referred to as the "atomic bomb disease," a result of the radiation exposure from the bombing. While facing her illness, she took inspiration from a Japanese legend that folding a thousand origami cranes would grant a wish. Despite her frailty, Sadako devoted her days to folding paper cranes in the hope of a world without war and suffering.
Sadly, Sadako passed away at the tender age of twelve, having folded over a thousand cranes. Her indomitable spirit and wish for peace resonated with people worldwide, leading to the tradition of leaving origami cranes at the Children's Peace Monument as a symbol of hope, peace, and solidarity with the victims of war.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hiroshima. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Children's Peace Monument on Map
Sight Name: Children's Peace Monument
Sight Location: Hiroshima, Japan (See walking tours in Hiroshima)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Hiroshima, Japan (See walking tours in Hiroshima)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Hiroshima, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Hiroshima
Creating your own self-guided walk in Hiroshima is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Tour
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park stands as a solemn testament to one of the darkest chapters in human history. This park is a haunting reminder of the catastrophic impact of nuclear warfare during World War II. Its grounds, marked by heart-wrenching attractions, bear witness to the immense suffering and loss that occurred on August 6, 1945.
Within this place of sorrow, the attractions etch the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Within this place of sorrow, the attractions etch the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Hiroshima Introduction Walking Tour
Tucked away within the contours of Japan's southwestern expanse, the green and picturesque city of Hiroshima emerges as a profound testament to history's arc and an unwavering beacon of hope for a world united in harmony.
Composed of two kanji characters: "hiro", which means "wide" or "broad," and "shima", which means "island," the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Composed of two kanji characters: "hiro", which means "wide" or "broad," and "shima", which means "island," the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles