Hiroshima group makes candles with prayers for peace
Aug. 2, 2012
A nonprofit organization based in Nishi Ward, Hiroshima, called the “Hiroshima Lighting Group,” holds an annual event on the night of August 6, the anniversary of the atomic bombing, in which “peace candles” are placed around the Atomic Bomb Dome. The Hiroshima branch of Junior Chamber International launched this effort in 1997 in order to convey a message of peace from the dome.
The “peace candles” are made by pouring melted candle wax into a milk carton. After the wax cools and hardens, messages can be written on the candles, such as prayers for peace or one’s hopes and dreams. The group feels that people who take part by writing personal messages on the candles will strengthen their awareness of peace.
On the night of August 6, 4,000 to 5,000 “peace candles” surround the A-bomb Dome. Among those joining the event are elementary school and junior high school students from Hiroshima as well as students on school trips from other parts of Japan and international students. A graduate of a school for the disabled serves as the master of ceremonies.
Toshiya Suzuki, 54, the leader of the group, told us, “It will be time for us to end the peace candle event when the whole world is finally at peace.” Their primary aim now is appealing for the participation of public elementary schools in the city of Hiroshima and all schools for the disabled located in Hiroshima Prefecture. (Junichi Akiyama, 16, and Mako Sakamoto, 15)
(Originally published on April 2, 2012)
The “peace candles” are made by pouring melted candle wax into a milk carton. After the wax cools and hardens, messages can be written on the candles, such as prayers for peace or one’s hopes and dreams. The group feels that people who take part by writing personal messages on the candles will strengthen their awareness of peace.
On the night of August 6, 4,000 to 5,000 “peace candles” surround the A-bomb Dome. Among those joining the event are elementary school and junior high school students from Hiroshima as well as students on school trips from other parts of Japan and international students. A graduate of a school for the disabled serves as the master of ceremonies.
Toshiya Suzuki, 54, the leader of the group, told us, “It will be time for us to end the peace candle event when the whole world is finally at peace.” Their primary aim now is appealing for the participation of public elementary schools in the city of Hiroshima and all schools for the disabled located in Hiroshima Prefecture. (Junichi Akiyama, 16, and Mako Sakamoto, 15)
(Originally published on April 2, 2012)
