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The Revival of 'Atomic Bomb Hiroshima'

In a significant milestone marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Choshoho Kōjin Shuppan, a subsidiary of the Sankei Newspaper Group, has reissued the poignant art collection "Atomic Bomb Hiroshima" by artist Tomofumi Terao. After being out of print for 43 years, this powerful collection of illustrated essays uses intricate paper-cuts to portray the harrowing aftermath of the bomb's devastation.

The work stands as a stark reminder of the horrors witnessed by Terao, who was an army soldier stationed in Hiroshima shortly after the bombing. Terao’s art captures the visceral realities of what he described as a "hell crafted by humankind." Using a sharp line cut by a single blade, he effectively conveys the emotional weight of those moments, serving as a haunting visual narrative that remains relevant today.

Born in 1917 in Hyogo Prefecture, Terao initially worked in the dyeing industry in Kyoto, where he learned the craft of paper-cutting. Following the war, he became known as a manga artist before his passing in 2000. The revival of this collection not only honors his legacy but also underscores the importance of remembering historical tragedies to prevent future occurrences.

The book's release has garnered significant attention across various media outlets. Major Japanese newspapers, including the Asahi Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun, Mainichi Shimbun, Sankei Shimbun, and Kobe Shimbun, have featured the collection in their publications, leading to increased demand for the book. The powerful imagery and poignant messages have resonated with many, prompting schools to consider utilizing it as an educational tool for peace education.

A particularly telling quote from the editor in charge of the project emphasizes the unique value of Terao's work: "It is rare to find a piece of art depicting the real experience of the atomic bomb from a professional artist. We hope that the pain and suffering conveyed through these illustrations can be embraced by future generations, fostering understanding and empathy."

This A5-sized book, available in a softcover format, with a total of 104 pages, is priced at 2,420 yen (inclusive of tax). For those interested, the collection is now available for purchase online through Sankei ID at this link.

In a time when discussions surrounding peace and the impact of war are more crucial than ever, Terao’s "Atomic Bomb Hiroshima" serves as a necessary reminder of the past. By bringing this art collection back into circulation, we not only honor the memories of those affected by the tragedy but also contribute to a collective hope for a more peaceful future.