A-bomb survivor in Hiroshima creates venue for peace exchange to promote desire for nuclear abolition
Apr. 26, 2016
by Yuji Yamamoto, Staff Writer
Toshiko Tanaka, 77, an enameling artist who has actively shared her account of the atomic bombing in Japan and abroad, has created a “peace exchange space” after renovating her house in Higashi Ward, Hiroshima. Her goal is to promote a stronger desire for the abolition of nuclear weapons from her local community, as her health now makes it more difficult to travel overseas. The new space opens on April 8 and will be a venue where visitors who who want to learn about the A-bombed city of Hiroshima and Hiroshima citizens can interact.
A sign that reads “Peace Exchange Space” appears in the quiet neighborhood and welcome visitors to her house. On the first floor is a room of about 60 square meters adorned with Ms. Tanaka’s large works of art. They include pieces that feature an image of Earth in the future, suffering from nuclear waste and war, as well as another image of the vast, peaceful universe. She has been creating works of art on the theme of peace, in a palette of red, blue, and black, since she was in her 20s.
“If we spend time together in a space with art, and we feel kindly toward one another, we can prevent conflict,” she explained. With this hope, she created a place where people visiting Hiroshima from other parts of Japan and from abroad can drop by and share their lives with Hiroshima citizens over a cup of tea. Visitors can also make enamel art, too. If asked, she will also recount her experience of the atomic bombing so that others will understand the horrific consequences if a nuclear weapon is ever used.
Ms. Tanaka experienced the atomic bombing of Hiroshima while in the Ushita district, about 2.3 kilometers from the hypocenter. She was six years old at the time. For many years she avoided facing her sad memories squarely, but then began to share her A-bomb account in 2007 when she joined a “Peace Boat” voyage that took her around the world. Since then, she has shared her experience in over 10 countries. But in March 2015 she decided to end her overseas travels because of severe pain in her left knee, the result of an injury. She then developed the plan to renovate the first floor of her house where her work studio and other rooms were located. It took four months to complete the renovation.
Eric Kraus, 42, an American, will hold English classes for small children at the Peace Exchange Space. He said that the room is a pleasant environment and people from other countries can connect closely to the history of the city by communicating with Hiroshima residents. Ms. Tanaka said, “I hope that many people will use the space in an informal manner and overcome the differences of language to help promote peace.”
The space is open between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (except the first Monday of each month). For further information, please contact Toshiko Tanaka at 082-221-8168.
(Originally published on April 4, 2016)
Toshiko Tanaka, 77, an enameling artist who has actively shared her account of the atomic bombing in Japan and abroad, has created a “peace exchange space” after renovating her house in Higashi Ward, Hiroshima. Her goal is to promote a stronger desire for the abolition of nuclear weapons from her local community, as her health now makes it more difficult to travel overseas. The new space opens on April 8 and will be a venue where visitors who who want to learn about the A-bombed city of Hiroshima and Hiroshima citizens can interact.
A sign that reads “Peace Exchange Space” appears in the quiet neighborhood and welcome visitors to her house. On the first floor is a room of about 60 square meters adorned with Ms. Tanaka’s large works of art. They include pieces that feature an image of Earth in the future, suffering from nuclear waste and war, as well as another image of the vast, peaceful universe. She has been creating works of art on the theme of peace, in a palette of red, blue, and black, since she was in her 20s.
“If we spend time together in a space with art, and we feel kindly toward one another, we can prevent conflict,” she explained. With this hope, she created a place where people visiting Hiroshima from other parts of Japan and from abroad can drop by and share their lives with Hiroshima citizens over a cup of tea. Visitors can also make enamel art, too. If asked, she will also recount her experience of the atomic bombing so that others will understand the horrific consequences if a nuclear weapon is ever used.
Ms. Tanaka experienced the atomic bombing of Hiroshima while in the Ushita district, about 2.3 kilometers from the hypocenter. She was six years old at the time. For many years she avoided facing her sad memories squarely, but then began to share her A-bomb account in 2007 when she joined a “Peace Boat” voyage that took her around the world. Since then, she has shared her experience in over 10 countries. But in March 2015 she decided to end her overseas travels because of severe pain in her left knee, the result of an injury. She then developed the plan to renovate the first floor of her house where her work studio and other rooms were located. It took four months to complete the renovation.
Eric Kraus, 42, an American, will hold English classes for small children at the Peace Exchange Space. He said that the room is a pleasant environment and people from other countries can connect closely to the history of the city by communicating with Hiroshima residents. Ms. Tanaka said, “I hope that many people will use the space in an informal manner and overcome the differences of language to help promote peace.”
The space is open between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (except the first Monday of each month). For further information, please contact Toshiko Tanaka at 082-221-8168.
(Originally published on April 4, 2016)
