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Toshima Ward's 80th Anniversary Peace Exhibition and Stamp Rally

Toshima Ward will hold a significant event titled “Toshima Ward's 80th Anniversary Peace Exhibition and Peace Stamp Rally” from August 6 to 15. This initiative stems from a commitment to foster global peace, recalling its history as the first ward in Tokyo to declare itself a nuclear-free city back in July 1982. The aim of this exhibition is to pass on the tragic memories of war and stress the importance of peace to the residents of Toshima.

Event Overview

The exhibition will take place on the first floor of the Toshima Ward Office and at the Toshima Center Square. It will feature displays related to wartime Tokyo and materials on the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, including panels and video presentations. As part of the special events, Reiko Yamada, the vice president of the Toshima Atomic Bomb Victims Group, will share her personal experiences as a bomb survivor.
Additionally, an NPO called “Connecting Memories of Toshima” will present a storytelling session focusing on war themes through Kamishibai (Japanese paper theater) and readings from picture books. Simultaneously, a unique Peace Stamp Rally will occur, which invites participants to visit various locales around the ward.

Mayor's Statement

In her comments regarding the event, Miyuki Takaiwa, the mayor of Toshima Ward, emphasized the significance of this exhibition. She stated, “Toshima Ward was the first in Tokyo to declare itself a nuclear-free city, thereby emphasizing our dedication to peace. This year, we are aiming to strengthen our peace initiatives further. We will create peace monuments in community hubs, install special exhibits on war and peace at the central library, and host a collection exhibition titled “Changing Daily Life - Memories of War from the Residents” at the local history museum.” Takaiwa encouraged people of all ages to participate and use this opportunity to understand the value of peace and the importance of memory preservation.

Details of the Peace Exhibition

• - Location: First floor of the Toshima Ward Office and Toshima Center Square.
• - Dates: August 6 (Wednesday) to August 15 (Friday), 9 AM to 5 PM (Opening day starts at 1:30 PM and closing day finishes at 3 PM).

Special Programs Include:

1. August 6 (Wednesday) 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Kamishibai performance on the theme of war for children.
2. August 7 (Thursday) 2 PM – 3:15 PM: Survivor testimony on nuclear bomb experiences along with a peace mini-concert and picture book reading.
3. August 9 (Saturday) 1 PM – 2 PM: Stories from a survivor about post-war black market trading.
4. August 9 (Saturday) 3 PM – 4 PM: Stories from survivors regarding experiences during evacuation.
5. August 11 (Monday) 2 PM – 3:30 PM: Reading sessions of picture books discussing the topic of war.

Peace Stamp Rally Details

• - Dates: August 6 (Wednesday) to August 15 (Friday). Note that the hours of each facility may vary.
• - Locations: Various community hubs, the central library, the local history museum, and the first floor of the Toshima Ward Office.

For further details about each event, please visit the official website: Toshima Ward Peace Events. Here, you can also download the event flyer, which contains additional information on both the peace exhibition and the stamp rally.

Join us in commemorating 80 years of peace and fostering a spirit of unity and remembrance in Toshima Ward.