◆Art for Peace & Ecology　"Traveling Hibakusha"

Empathy Created by the Hibakusha World Exhibition

Since 2002, the NPO Hibakusha World Exhibition has held photo exhibitions in Japan and abroad, not only depicting the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but also the experiences of “hibakusha” (atomic victims) worldwide – from nuclear testing, nuclear accidents, uranium mines, to depleted uranium weapons. Visitors have deeply empathized with the lives and words of hibakusha who have strived for a nuclear-free world. Many have left behind messages recognizing issues of life, peace, and a sustainable society as their personal concerns, such as, “I will do ___ for peace.”

Purpose and Vision
From the summer of 2025, marking the 80th anniversary since WWII and the atomic bombings, and over the following five years until 2030, we will embark on the “Traveling Hibakusha”project under the philosophy of Art for Peace & Ecology. Through both in-person and virtual exhibitions, we aim to deliver the photos of the Hibakusha World Exhibition as tools for dialogue that inspire “action” toward a peaceful and sustainable society, to people around the world.

The photos showcasing the lives of hibakusha from various backgrounds have the potential to serve as a bridge connecting the peace and ecology movements. Our goal is for people across the globe, moved by these photographs, to raise their voices and connect for a peaceful and sustainable society, thus generating a force to change the world.

Five-Year Implementation Plan (Outline)

·       2025: Preparation—readiness for a North America pilot project

·       2026: Prototype exhibitions in North America (e.g., NY), dissemination of results
(Kickoff event in Nagasaki; planned exhibitions in Toronto, NY, and Los Angeles)

·       2027: Expansion into Europe and Asia / Introduction of Ambassador program

·       2028-2029: Expansion into Latin America and Africa / Strengthening partnerships with educational institutions

·       2030: Simultaneous global exhibitions / Publication of project outcomes and establishment of digital archives and sustainability plan

Public Relations Strategy

We will focus on outreach that encourages partnership by inviting, “Would you like to host an exhibition in your city?” Using a multilingual website, accessible proposals, videos, and SNS, we will communicate the appeal and significance of our activities, growing a global community of supporters.

Expected Social Impact

·       Cultivating global awareness and action for a peaceful and sustainable society

·       Providing peace and sustainability education and teaching materials for schools and youth

·       Establishing enduring grassroots networks of partnership

·       Sharing a model for a peaceful, multicultural, and sustainable society from our base

Media Coverage

The Hibakusha World Exhibition is regularly covered as a major event in local newspapers and on television in host cities. A photo exhibition comprehensively covering diverse hibakusha is rare even on a global scale, and, given the current international climate, is expected to attract attention from overseas media as well.

"Hibakusha around the World" in Hiroshima

The photo exhibition "Not Only Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Hibakusha around the World" at the former Bank of Japan Hiroshima Branch, an A-bombed building, was visited by approximately 3,500 people from Hiroshima and those who visited Hiroshima during Golden Week during the exhibition period from April 26 to May 8, 2024.

 

We were impressed by the high level of interest shown by visitors, many of whom eagerly looked at the approximately 130 photos, including those of the special exhibit "Abandoned Hibakusha" (photo by Takashi Ito), while reading the explanations of each photo.

 

In addition, "Prayer Songs - Songs of the Expanse and the Abyss of the Heart," which was held during the period as a project of the co-sponsor, MIZUNOTE General Foundation, featured wonderful performances and music by artists and the Hiroshima Chorus who participated from various parts of the country, as a requiem for those who died and a prayer for peace. It was a wonderful time to share our thoughts and feelings for peace.

 

Through this photo exhibition, We realized that even in Hiroshima, where the atomic bomb was dropped, hibakusha around the world are surprisingly little known. We realized that even in peace education, people learn about Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but not so much about the Hibakusha around the world, and I felt once again the importance of conveying the message of "Hibakusha around the world".

 

We would like to take this opportunity to further promote our efforts to make the photos from the World Hibakusha Exhibition come to life.

Thank you all for your continued support.

　　　

You can use photos of A-bomb survivors in messages related to Ukraine

We know that the Russian attack on nuclear power plants in Ukraine and nuclear threats are causing many of you to feel an unprecedented sense of urgency.

Although we, too, feel helpless, we have been thinking about what we can do as a non-profit organization, the World Hibakusha Exhibition, and have decided to provide you with a symbolic photographs.

 

These photographs, titled "Hibakusha: Hatsuko Tominaga" and "Hibakusha: Motoyo Fujiwara," are the work of Ittetsu Morishita, a photographer who took photographs of Hibakusha in Hiroshima and Nagasaki for nearly half a century and died last year. Ittetsu Morishita founded the World Hibakusha Exhibition 20 years ago with the aim of raising public opinion for a nuclear-free world.

 

The following two photographs are provided.

Photo 1: TOMINAGA Hatsuko

1914-2002/Hiroshima Hibakusha

The white specks in her eyes are atomic cataracts.

A sharp pain runs through her body constantly, causing her to distort her eyebrows.

(1977, Eba, Hiroshima     MORISHITA Ittetsu)

 

Photo 2: FUJIWARA Motoyo

1894-1989/Hiroshima Hibakusha

When the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Ms.FUJIWARA, who was helping to evacuate the city, was working near the Fukuya department store, 600 meters from the hypocenter.

 Her five-year-old daughter and seventeen-year-old son died one month after the bombing. After that, she was alone and working hard, until becoming ill at the age of 91.

 In this photo, you can see scars and burns on her arms and hands; they caused her much pain, especially in winter.

(1977, Hakushima, Hiroshima    MORISHITA Ittetsu)

 

These photos, along with "Stop attacks on nuclear power plants!", "Don't use nuclear weapons!", "Don't threaten with nuclear weapons.", and "Peace in We thought that by having messages such as "Ukraine!" used together, we could contribute to sending a strong message around the world.

 

 

These photos are representative of a series of photos of A-bomb survivors that won the Grand Prix for the Peace and Nationality Award in the International Documentary Art Photo Contest "Humanity and Peace" to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the USSR.

I would like to think that it was some kind of mistake to use works that were appreciated by the Russian people on these occasions, but I am sure that many of the Russian people never wanted war either.

We, with all people, would like to overcome the nuclear crisis and see peace return to Ukraine.

 

If you wish to use them, please download the photos below.

We hope that these photos, which are filled with the thoughts and feelings of the Hibakusha, will be of some help to you.