During the second week of the Japan study abroad trip we had the experience of visiting the city of Hiroshima during a particularly interesting time. While visiting Hiroshima itself was impactful it was especially so as the G7 summit occurred the same time we were visiting. This mix of a historically significant city was heightened as world leaders from around the world gathered to discuss economic and global issues in a cooperative manner. Due to G7, Hiroshima had a different tone as police officers lined every street and security measures were at an all time high. This led to an interesting experience as we were approached by multiple reporters wanting to hear our perspectives as Americans on both the bombing of Hiroshima as well as the presence of the U.S. president in Japan and Hiroshima itself.
During this trip we were able to explore much of Hiroshima such as historic sites, cultural hubs, museums and monuments, as well as the city streets itself. While physically Hiroshima has moved past the devastation caused, many of the effects can still be felt emotionally and psychologically as those who experienced it are still alive to this day. We had the opportunity to hear some of the accounts and stories in both the Hiroshima museum as well as our privilege of listening to the personal accounts of a story teller.
During our free time within the city we were able to explore the city and view cultural and historic monuments such as Hiroshima Castle. This castle was fascinating as we learned about the ancient history of Japan and Hiroshima before the modern age.
The main reason for our trip to Hiroshima was learning more about the city that was affected from the first nuclear bomb. In order to learn about this we explored historical monuments within the city as well as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This experience allowed us to see the history of World War II and the destruction of war from Hiroshima’s perspective. This was a sobering experience as we read personal accounts of victims and the suffering they endured. Through various written first hand reports we saw the destruction in a new light and saw it as something that happened to real people rather than something that happened in history.
As well as the museum we listened to the personal account of the bombing by a survivor story teller. Through these personal accounts we learned more about the human perspective of the bombs that would otherwise be impossible to learn from textbooks. We learned about the tragedies of lost loved ones, the personal pain of victims, and the arduous healing process of those who survived. We learned of the pain and guilt of those who survived and how instead of anger and hate, these survivors truly only want a better future where such tragedies never happen again.
After the museum we had the pleasure of a guided tour of the various monuments of Hiroshima by local high school students. This was very fun and engaging as we communicated with them as well as eating lunch with them. We learned more about them, Japanese pop culture as well as the high school system and universities of Japan.
This trip and experience to Hiroshima was a truly altering experience as we learned more about a pivotal moment in human history from a different perspective. The city of Hiroshima is truly a beautiful city with a rich and cultured past. This history of the city helped deliver the message that we should learn from past tragedies and continually work towards a better and brighter future.