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100th A-bomb exhibition by JICA volunteers from Hiroshima makes appeal for peace

by Eriko Shintani, Staff Writer

The 100th A-bomb exhibition organized by volunteers of JICA [Japan International Cooperation Agency] was recently held in El Salvador. The JICA volunteers putting together these exhibitions, which have taken place in various locations around the world, center on people originally from Hiroshima Prefecture. Through panels and DVDs, the exhibitions convey the devastation wrought by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as the reconstruction of the two cities, in an effort to enlarge the circle of those desiring peace.

Organized by Mamiho Hara, 27, originally from Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture and others, the 100th exhibition was held in August at a church in El Salvador, a nation located in Central America. They made a display of 30 panels which depicted such scenes as the immediate aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing, and explained them in Spanish to an audience of about 100 people.

“When I told people that I’m from Hiroshima, they responded, ‘Oh, so you’re from the place that was bombed,’” Ms. Hara said. “As I heard that, over and over, I came to feel that I have a duty to pass on the story of Hiroshima.” The know-how and materials for the exhibition came from volunteers who had previously served there.

A-bomb exhibitions by JICA volunteers have been held in 55 countries, including nations in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The first exhibition took place in Nicaragua, Central America, in 2004. By chance, four volunteers from Hiroshima, including Norimi Osaka, 35, from Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima were sent to Nicaragua at that time. Feeling they should do something because of their Hiroshima background, they came up with the idea of holding an A-bomb exhibition.

The four volunteers contacted the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation, located in downtown Hiroshima, and asked if posters could be made available for the exhibition. About 4,000 visitors attended the event in Nicaragua. Ms. Osaka said that they fielded such questions as “Don’t you feel bitter about the attack?” Recalling the time, she explained, “We became aware that our upbringing in Hiroshima can help convey the importance of peace and hope.”

A panel exhibit on the A-bomb exhibitions organized by JICA volunteers will be held at Hiroshima International House in Minami Ward from September 28 to October 9. The venue is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. except Sundays (when it closes at 5 p.m.) and is closed on Mondays. Admission is free.

(Originally published on September 26, 2012)

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