Creating Symbolic Art with Hiroshima Bomb Survivors for Peace

On July 11th from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, a significant event organized by Palsystem Tokyo will take place, connecting their main office in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with Musashino Place. This event will feature Hiroshima bomb survivors sharing their personal experiences and stories from the war, fostering a deeper understanding of the past through live testimony.

A Bridge Between Generations

The event will welcome two survivors, Keizo Watanabe and Kazushige Kimura, who, although not directly recalling the atomic bombing due to their young age at the time, have inherited their family’s memories and accounts of the tragic events. They will be joined by Michiko Murata, a dedicated counselor with over 40 years of experience at the Tokyo-based organization, To-yukai. This ensures that the voices of survivors continue to echo within the community, even as time takes them away.

During this workshop, participants will not only hear these impactful narratives but also engage in crafting a small mascot called the "senso-hoo-ki" (peace broom) using twigs, chopsticks, and yarn. The act of creating this peace-oriented mascot symbolizes a collective wish to sweep away conflict and gather kind intentions, fostering a dialogue across generations about the importance of peace.

The Power of Shared Memories

To-yukai, founded in 1958, has been a beacon of support for atomic bomb victims, continuing efforts to combat social stigmas and advocating for compensation from the government. The organization receives about 12,000 inquiries annually, as the average age of survivors rises and the number of those who can narrate their experiences continues to dwindle. With a mission to ensure that the memory of these experiences is not lost, this event emphasizes the importance of passing down these vital narratives to prevent future generations from enduring similar tragedies. The participants will engage closely with the survivors’ stories, enabling them to reflect on the impacts of war from personal perspectives.

A Commitment to Peace

During the creative session, the participating individuals will not only create their own senso-hoo-ki but will also engage in discussions about the realities of war and peace. The desire to “sweep away conflicts and gather kind feelings” will be the guiding principle of their craft, fostering dialogue that allows for personal reflections on peace's significance in today's world.

Even amidst a globally fragmented landscape, where many still don’t experience daily life as peaceful or normal, this event serves as a platform for each individual to contribute ideas on how they can advocate for peace in their own ways. The Palsystem Tokyo community emphasizes that understanding and addressing the aftermath of war is a collective responsibility that calls for shared remembrance and action.

Event Details

Date & Time:

- When: July 11, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Locations:

1. Palsystem Tokyo East Shinjuku Headquarters, 7th Floor Conference Room (2-2-6, Okubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Access: 3-minute walk from Higashi Shinjuku Station (Toei Oedo Line, Fukutoshin Line), or 10-minute walk from Shin-Okubo Station (JR Line)

2. Musashino Place, 4th Floor Forum (3-18, Sakaiminami, Musashino City, Tokyo)
Access: 1-minute walk from Musashi Sakai Station (JR Chuo Line, Seibu Tamagawa Line)

Speakers:

- Keizo Watanabe, Kazushige Kimura (Hiroshima bomb survivors, To-yukai)
- Michiko Murata (Secretary General of To-yukai)

Attendance:

- Capacity: 20 participants per venue
- Participation Fee: Free
- Registration Deadline: June 24, 2026, by 12 PM

This workshop not only aligns with the broader goals of enhancing awareness and understanding around the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Action event held annually but also cultivates continuous learning regarding the realities of war, ultimately driving collective movements towards a peaceful society.

For more information and to participate, please visit Palsystem Tokyo’s official website: Palsystem Tokyo.