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Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims
Overview: What is it?
This was established with the earnest desire to reconstruct Hiroshima City—which was devastated by the world's first atomic bomb—as a City of Peace.
The Story & Significance
Interred here is the Register of Atomic Bomb Victims, which lists the names, dates of death, and ages of the deceased. Names are continually added to the register upon request from relatives, and as of August 6, 2023 (Reiwa 5), it comprises 126 volumes. This total includes 124 volumes listing 339,227 names, one volume inscribed with "Numerous Unidentified Victims," and one volume listing 13 names of individuals who were bombed in Nagasaki but wished for their names to be dedicated in Hiroshima. Annually, on the third Wednesday of May at 8:15 AM, a ceremonial airing, or "kazetōshi," of the register is performed.
Location
Located exactly between the Children's Peace Monument and the Peace Memorial Museum.
Gallery
Transcript of the Inscription
LET ALL THE SOULS HERE REST IN PEACE
FOR WE SHALL NOT REPEAT THE EVIL
Transcript of the Information Panel
This monument embodies the hope that Hiroshima, devastated on 6 August 1945 by the world’s first atomic bombing, will stand forever as a city of peace. The stone chamber in the center contains the Register of Deceased A-bomb Victims. The inscription on the front panel offers a prayer for the peaceful repose of the victims and a pledge on behalf of all humanity never to repeat the evil of war. It expresses the spirit of Hiroshimaーenduring grief, transcending hatred, pursuing harmony and prosperity for all, and yearning for genuine, lasting world peace.
Purpose of the Inscription
There were various debates regarding the subject of the epitaph (on the cenotaph); however, in order to accurately convey the intent of the inscription, the City of Hiroshima has installed explanatory plaques (donated by the Rotary Club) in eight languages: Japanese, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, and Hangeul (Korean).
These plaques state:
The inscription is a vow by all people to pray for the repose of the victims of the atomic bombing and never to repeat the tragedy of war. Engraved here is the Spirit of Hiroshima, which endures past sorrows, overcomes hatred, wishes for the coexistence and prosperity of all humankind, and prays for the realization of genuine world peace.
The inscription is a vow by all people to pray for the repose of the victims of the atomic bombing and never to repeat the tragedy of war. Engraved here is the Spirit of Hiroshima, which endures past sorrows, overcomes hatred, wishes for the coexistence and prosperity of all humankind, and prays for the realization of genuine world peace.
Made with Bullet