Fri, 29 Aug '08 - Atomic bomb hypocentre and peace memorial park

Before our Shinkansen to Kyoto we have a few hours spare. We head into the centre of Hiroshima on a tram to pay respect at the memorial to the events of Monday August 6th 1945.

The emphasis here is on peace and reconciliation. We witness the preserved Genbaku Dome, which stands as if it was incinerated only yesterday. It's an incredibly moving experience. I have to turn away glassy eyed, unable to fully comprehend the deaths of 140,000 people in a split second. 

From here we stagger on to the island in the river and enter the park that forms the modern part of the peace monument. We pause for a moment next to the ceremonial flame and read that it will only be extinguished once all nuclear weapons are decommissioned. 

This beautifully abstract and formally designed garden is full of hope for the future. It starts to rain but we don't feel it. We just stare at the ripples in the giant pond mesmerized, exhausted by the heat and overwhelemed by everything we've seen today.

After this the bullet train to Kyoto is an oasis of air conditioned comfort.

Thought

Japan's post-war success goes to show the mettle of this nation, and how people can change over time for the better.