Nagasaki Peace Statue
A symbol of hope and memorial for peace, the Nagasaki Peace Statue stands tall in the Nagasaki Peace Park. It serves as a stark reminder of the devastation that the city of Nagasaki faced after the atomic bombing during the final stages of World War II on August 9, 1945. The statue is not only a commemoration of the victims of this atrocity but also a dedication to the pursuit of peace.
To reach the Nagasaki Peace Statue and Nagasaki Peace Park, one can take the blue Nagasaki Denki tram from Nagasaki Station. The tram ride takes you across the street from the station, and you can get off at the Peace Park stop. From there, it is just a few minutes’ walk to reach the park. The Nagasaki Peace Statue is located at the northern end of the park.
The statue was inaugurated on August 9, 1955, exactly ten years after the atomic bombing. It stands at an impressive height of 9.7 meters, serving as a prominent symbol in the park. Every year on August 9, the Nagasaki Peace Ceremony takes place at the foot of the statue, honoring the victims and reminding the world of the horrors of nuclear weapons.
Adjacent to the Nagasaki Peace Statue is the Hypocenter Monument, located 500 meters away. This monument holds the names of the victims of the atomic bombing and those who died in the years that followed. It serves as a somber reminder of the lives lost and the impact of this devastating event.
Next to the statue, you will find colorful garlands of paper cranes hanging. These paper cranes are sent from well-wishers across japan and around the world. They are a symbol of peace and are meant as prayers for the victims and a hope for a peaceful future. This tradition of sending paper cranes to Hiroshima and Nagasaki originated from the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who developed leukemia due to the atomic bombing and believed that folding 1,000 paper cranes would grant her a wish for health. Her story has become a symbol of the desire for peace and the power of hope.
The Nagasaki Peace Statue holds symbolic importance in its design. Created by the sculptor Seibou Kitamura, each aspect of the statue carries a significant meaning. The right hand pointing to the sky serves as a reminder of the danger of nuclear weapons. It symbolizes the need for vigilance and the continued efforts to prevent the use of such weapons. The extended left hand represents the desire for eternal peace, a world free from the threat of nuclear war.
The face of the statue embodies peace, with closed eyes representing a prayer for the repose of the victims’ souls. The folded right leg of the statue is in a meditative posture, while the extended left leg is rooted to the ground, symbolizing the call to action. It urges us to stand up and make a difference in the world, to work towards peace and prevent the repetition of such tragedies.
The seated posture of the Nagasaki Peace Statue is reminiscent of serene Buddha statues found throughout Japan. This posture is often associated with meditation and contemplation. By incorporating this posture into the statue, Kitamura draws on the peaceful and introspective nature of Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of inner reflection and personal growth.
When visiting Nagasaki, a trip to the Nagasaki Peace Park and the Nagasaki Peace Statue is incomplete without a visit to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Located just a seven-minute walk from the park, the museum provides a deeper understanding of the events leading up to the atomic bombing and its aftermath. It showcases artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts that paint a vivid picture of the impact of the bomb on the city and its people. While it is a solemn visit, it is also a moving and unforgettable experience that highlights the importance of peace and the devastation caused by nuclear weapons.
In conclusion, the Nagasaki Peace Statue stands as a symbol of hope and memorial for peace. It serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of the atomic bombing and honors the victims of this tragedy. The statue’s design carries symbolic significance, emphasizing the need for vigilance, eternal peace, and personal action. A visit to the Nagasaki Peace Park and the Nagasaki Peace Statue is a powerful and essential experience that highlights the importance of peace and serves as a call to action for a better world.
Address And Maps Location:
9 Matsuyama-machi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki-ken
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