The best of traditions and modernity – Japan in 25 days

Stop 8 – Hiroshima, Japan. Visited 15th October 2024

If ever there is one great poignant reminder of human tragedy, Hiroshima stands out foremost in my mind. And it is so close to home.

Japan was the only country to suffer from atomic bombs, in 1945, and Hiroshima was the first city where tens of thousands died, and many suffered from the aftereffects. There was untold suffering for the survivors then and the generations thereafter. Today that scar still burns deep – on the people of Japan and humanity. If you are still ascribing blame, you are on the wrong track.

The Peace Memorial Museum lays these out as a reminder. You should feel goosebumps as you start to view the exhibits. As you see the suffering, you should well up in tears.

Standing in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome, you could feel the unimaginable force that almost erased an entire city – the immediate big cloud firestorm, black rain, the excruciating pains. Then for decades and generations, the human suffering continued.

This is the so-called new world order. Today, we have the same deadly weapons that could destroy the world many times over. Yet, as we stand here today, we hear leaders threatening to use it on others, sadly supported by some of their population. I must have gone stupid!

Displays in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

With a heavy heart, I then strolled to Shukkeien Garden – such a reflection of the Japanese desire for peacefulness and calm, an enclave for healing the scarred psyche.