One of the most memorable parts of the trip I took to Japan in April (2023) was seeing the Atomic Bomb sites in both Nagasaki and Hiroshima.   

Talk about emotional.  It’s one thing to hear about the mushroom cloud in school or books. It is another to face up first hand what damage the horrific weapon can do. 

I was struck by how ludicrous it was that as a child we had drills in school where we had to go and sit under our desks because the Russians might send an atomic bomb our way. 

Gasp.  I saw the display in the Nagasaki museum of how the heat was so intense that the shadow of people were burned into a brick wall.  

The descriptions of the heat were excruciating.  

The devastation. The suffering. People were incinerated. 

I could go on and on.  

But instead let’s look at how these cities honor their loss.   

1.  Both have museums providing us with very different experiences. 

2.  Both have sculptures in park like settings. I found them to be significantly emotional demonstrating the power of art to awaken awareness, to soothe and settle.    

3.  Both have memorials.

First, let’s talk about  the museums. They were very different experiences. The one in Nagasaki was almost deserted the day we were there. The displays were intense and revealed what a tragic experience.  Words can’t convey. I could hardly talk. Or breathe.  

The Hiroshima Museum on the other hand was so packed with people I know I missed a lot and often got hustled along with the crowd. Nonetheless it had a huge impact on me.  

Probably what stood out to me was a huge display showing the progression when the bomb exploded. 

The displays of the physical effects on the human body were horrifying. 

I will also remember the display of art work created by people about the experience. 

Powerful sculptures dominated both locations. I saw them as expressions of the experience, of empathy and hope for peace. Let me note that the bottles of water left at memorials are to remember those who died of thirst. The survivors wanted water more than anything — for relief from the heat and scorched conditions.

Lastly I’ll share images of the  on the Memorial at Nagasaki. It was truly a solemn quiet space to reflect on the need for peace in our world. 

If you find this topic interesting, please know that I am scheduled to do a presentation at Olli at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids on November 30 about Japan. I will include more photos from the Atomic Bomb sites.https://www.aquinas.edu/offices/olli-aquinas/index.html

Heads Up

Susan will be giving a presentation at Olli at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids on November 30 at 9:30. 

Join her on a journey to the Land of the Rising Sun where she will share photography from three multi week trips to Japan over the last four years.  

Experience the Cherry Blossom festival, the bullet trains, interesting art focused venues, Buddhist Temples, Shinto Shrines and both Atomic Bomb sites along with a plethora of other items and experiences around this exotic destination.