Street in Nagasaki
Before this contract, Japan was the only country I’d visited in Asia. About a year and a half ago I went to Tokyo and Kyoto and loved both cities. I found the country to be clean, beautiful, culturally vibrant, and full of nice people and delicious food. I’ve been looking forward to exploring more of Japan.
View from the Peace Park
Last Sunday was my first opportunity. We stopped in Nagasaki, and had an entire day to see the sights. My dance captain took charge for the day, and helped guide a group of 9 clueless Westerners on the bus to reach the Peace Park.
Statue at the Peace Park
The park pays tribute to the victims of the bombing in Nagasaki, and is intended to make an appeal for lasting world peace. Information about the tragic bombing is scattered through the park. There are also large statues that were donated by other countries. Each statue represents peace. It was beautiful to see the various depictions of the same theme.
Donated statue
A different style
The main attraction at the park is The Peace Statue by Seibo Kitamura. It is a man with one finger pointing to the sky, a reminder of the threat of nuclear weapons, and the other hand outstretched to represent world peace. One leg is folded in as though in meditation, while the other is poised for action in defending humanity.
The Peace Statue
From there, we walked to the Atomic Bomb Museum. It was interesting to learn about the bombing, but was very emotional. There were testimonials from victims that brought tears to my eyes. Paper cranes were strung together all around the museum, giving a refreshing pop of color to the otherwise harsh museum.
Paper cranes
Inside the museum
Next we walked to ground zero and saw a remnant of the Ukami Cathedral wall. The section was moved to ground zero to make way for the reconstructed church and to remind visitors to pray for the souls of the victims of the bombing.
Wall remnant
We ended the outing with an authentic Japanese meal and a bit of shopping. It was nice to lighten the mood a little, and have a break to process what we had seen.
Next week: more Korea!
waltzing on water 
Is it really called Ground Zero – or? And, what’s the background on the “cranes”. They don’t look like my definition of a crane.
I am so happy for you that you are having your life so enriched on your voyage.
Happy Birthday. xxxxx Ann
It’s called the hypocenter, but “ground zero” is a synonym, and a phrase most of us are more familiar with.
The cranes are all strung together to make garland type things, so from a distance, they don’t look like cranes at all. It’s really interesting!
Thanks for the support. I got your package today. Thank you!
if you go to Seoul, see if a drum/dance(not reallydance) named Samulnori is performing. They are amazing/ I booked them for the World Festival – Drum Festival and they were a great hit. I believe beside concerts, they do street events. Keep an eye.
I have an overnight in Seoul next week, so I’ll look into it!