A Global Peace Message Tree: Honoring 80 Years Since Hiroshima and Nagasaki

In a poignant reminder of the past, Pal System Saitama is set to unveil a remarkable peace message monument from August 4 to August 8 at the “Pal Terrace” facility in Urawa, Saitama. This initiative aims to rekindle the importance of peace, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which took place during the same week decades ago.

This interactive monument is designed as a life-sized acrylic tree. Visitors will have the opportunity to write their peace messages on leaf-shaped sticky notes, which will then be affixed to the tree, gradually turning it into a vibrant “Tree of Peace,” brimming with hopes and aspirations.

The project not only seeks to gather new messages but also incorporate 81 pre-collected reflections from individuals who share their sentiments about peace. As participants fill the tree, they create a visual representation of a collective yearning for understanding and harmony in our world. Engaging with each other’s messages encourages empathy and helps highlight the significance of peace in today’s society.

Moreover, within the venue, there will also be a display of panels featuring the work “The Atomic Bomb Photo” from the Maruki Gallery. This gallery is scheduled to undergo extensive renovations in the fall of 2025, leading to a long-term closure, making this exhibition even more significant. Visitors are encouraged to share their personal thoughts and feelings about the exhibit, which will also become part of the leaf messages enhancing the Tree of Peace.

On the final day, August 8, the event will culminate at 1:30 PM with a special talk featuring survivor testimonies by Noriko Sakashita. This event, part of the “Hibakusha Dialogue” project spearheaded by the Japan Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, seeks to engage participants in a meaningful discussion on the importance of passing down messages of peace and understanding from generation to generation.

The activities surrounding the peace message tree and the exhibition provide the community a space to reflect on the meaningful lessons of the past while contemplating actions that can lead to peace in the future. As we approach the summer of 2025, commemorating 80 years since the bombings, it’s crucial for every individual to recognize their role in fostering a world that prioritizes understanding and compassion.

Event Details

- Dates: August 4 (Monday) – August 8 (Friday), 2025
- Time: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Venue: Pal Terrace, 10-7 Higashinakamachi, Urawa, Saitama
- Access: 3 minutes walk from JR Urawa Station, East Exit

For more information, please visit Pal System Saitama.

Pal System Saitama, committed to building a better community through cooperative efforts, boasts over 228,000 members and aims to empower individuals through collective action and communal connections.