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Junior Writers Reporting

“Morinokai” (“The Forest Group”): Dramatic readings of the A-bomb experiences of two Hiroshima schools

“Morinokai” (“The Forest Group”), established in 2009, is a group of seven volunteers at Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims engaged in dramatic readings of A-bomb material. Takahiro Ito, 73, an adviser to the group, composed the staged readings based on the writings of family members of students of Second Hiroshima Junior High School (present-day Kanon High School) and Hiroshima First Municipal Girl’s School (present-day Funairi High School). The first-year students of Second Hiroshima Junior High School all died in the atomic bombing, while many of the students of Hiroshima First Municipal Girl’s School perished that day. The group has given performances at schools and other locations.

The leader of the group, Eriko Amimoto, 58, told us: “Our listeners come to know the stories of the two schools, which still exist today.” The group will organize a performance upon request.

The number of registered reading volunteers at Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims is currently 53, which includes the members of “Morinokai.” The group regularly offers a staged reading on the third Sunday of each month. With the population of A-bomb survivors declining, “Morinokai” pursues these dramatic readings to convey the horror of the atomic bombing and the message that war must never again be fought. (Kana Kumagai, 17, and Kantaro Matsuo, 13)

(Originally published on April 29, 2012)

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