Classmates of Hiroshima’s paper crane girl share her memoryーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
Paper cranes have come to represent the world’s desire for peace. It comes from one of Hiroshima’s most symbolic figures, Sasaki Sadako. She was two when she was exposed to the radiation. She later developed leukemia and folded cranes to pray for her own recovery, but died at the age of 12. A statue inspired by her now stands in the park. Today, one of her classmates is reflecting on the girl he knew. NHK World’s Yosim Jun has this report. Mito knew Sado from elementary school. He was also among those raising money to build the statue. It is just like her as she really existed. Saddako the fast runner. Sadako earned a reputation for speed. In 1954, she and Mito were chosen for a sixth grade relay race team. I was so amazed how fast Sasaki Sadako could run. She sprinted with an impressive forwardleaning posture. It was beautiful. Mito and relay member Kawano recently visited the school and recalled the race. Saddako pulled away right after receiving the baton overwhelmingly widening the gap. We won first place by half a lap. We were so overjoyed like a sense of superiority. All 60 students in our class erupted with huge cheers. But soon after that, Sadako developed leukemia. She passed away the next year. Mito then wrote a memorial essay about her. In the piece, he wondered why the life of such an active and healthy friend had to end. so early. You work with style. How could such a person like you die of atomic bomb disease? I can’t help wondering. For decades, Mito didn’t talk about Sedako. Then he took a job at a gallery named after American peace activist Floyd Schmo. While working there, he learned that Schmo had erected a statue of Sadako in the US. The moment I saw this, I felt there must have been some sort of bond. I was moved rather than surprised. Driven by the coincidence, Mito started sharing his memories of Saddako with visitors like these high school students. When we were practicing folk dance, Saddako happened to be next to me. I was shy, so I was reluctant to hold hands with girls. As I was dillydallying, Sarako swiftly and firmly took my hand. I remember it fondly. He also shared memories of visiting Zadeo at the hospital. He said her legs once like a gazels had lost their shape. We brought paper cranes for her. When she stood up on the bed to hang them from the ceiling, I saw her legs had swollen to the size of her thighs. Mito’s story had a real impact on how the young visitors see the I learned that she was just an ordinary girl and that if the atomic bomb hadn’t been dropped, she could have lived longer and led the life she deserved. It is really painful to think about it. Sarako said that by folding one paper crane, she can live one day longer. The words are still lingering powerfully inside of me. I want to raise my voice to say that leaders should stop even thinking about making nuclear weapons. Mito and classmates plan to share gratitude for their life and wishes for a more peaceful world at the 70th anniversary of Sadako’s death in October. Yumoto Jun, NHK World, Hiroshima.
Sadako, the 12-year-old Hiroshima atomic bomb victim memorialized in a statue, has touched generations. Now, one of her classmates has found new inspiration to share her story. #japan #hiroshima #ww2 #peace #nuclear
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