Nagasaki Peace Park
Kyushu-Okinawa Region
Nagasaki Peace Park, located in the Kyushu-Okinawa region of Japan, is a solemn and symbolic site dedicated to commemorating the victims of the atomic bombing on August 9, 1945. Central to the park is the Peace Statue, a 9.7-meter tall bronze sculpture created by local artist Seibo Kitamura in 1955, symbolizing the horrors of nuclear war and the hope for lasting peace. The park features various monuments donated from countries around the world, the Peace Fountain honoring those who died thirsting after the bombing, and the Nagasaki Bell, erected in 1977 to honor those who perished, including many students and workers mobilized in wartime factories. The site also preserves remnants of the Urakami Prison, a stark reminder of the city's wartime past. Each year on August 9, a peace memorial ceremony is held at the park's ceremonial plaza, reinforcing its role as a place of remembrance and hope. The park's thoughtful design and international contributions make it a unique space for reflection on the devastating impact of war and the universal desire for peace.
ヒント: The best time to visit Nagasaki Peace Park is early August, especially on August 9 for the annual peace memorial ceremony. Visitors are encouraged to explore the various monuments and the Peace Statue closely. Advance planning is recommended during the ceremony due to increased visitor numbers. The park is accessible year-round with no entry fee, making it suitable for reflective visits any time. Modest walking shoes are advised to comfortably explore the grounds and surrounding areas.
興味深い事実
- •The Peace Statue’s right hand points to the sky, symbolizing the threat of nuclear weapons, while the left hand extends horizontally, symbolizing peace.
- •The Peace Fountain was created in 1969 to honor victims who died of thirst following the atomic bombing.
- •The Nagasaki Bell was erected in 1977 on the 33rd anniversary of the bombing to commemorate those who died, including many young students and workers.
- •The park includes monuments donated by countries worldwide, reflecting international solidarity for peace.
- •Parts of the wall of the former Urakami Prison, which existed during the bombing, still remain within the park.
歴史
Nagasaki Peace Park was established in 1955, ten years after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki during World War II.
The Peace Statue, the park's centerpiece, was completed that year by sculptor Seibo Kitamura, a native of Nagasaki.
Over the decades, the park has been expanded and maintained, including major restoration work on the Peace Statue and Peace Fountain in the late 2010s to preserve their condition.
The park serves as a lasting memorial to those lost in the bombing and as a symbol of the global desire for nuclear disarmament and peace.
It has hosted annual peace ceremonies since its inception, reinforcing its cultural and historical significance.
場所ガイド
Peace Statue1955
A 9.7-meter tall bronze statue by Seibo Kitamura, symbolizing the threat of nuclear weapons with its raised right hand and peace with its extended left hand. It serves as the park’s central monument and a powerful symbol of hope and remembrance.
Peace Fountain1969
Constructed in 1969, the fountain honors those victims who died suffering from thirst after the atomic bombing. It is a poignant symbol of the human suffering caused by nuclear war.
Nagasaki Bell1977
Erected in 1977 to commemorate those who died in Nagasaki, including many students and workers mobilized in wartime factories. The bell is rung during remembrance ceremonies.
Urakami Prison Wall Remnant
A surviving section of the wall from the Urakami Prison, which was present during the atomic bombing, providing a tangible connection to the city’s wartime history.
連絡先
電話: 095-829-1162