Rikkyo University

From January 27 to 28, Master of Social Development Students (MSDA) at Rikkyo University went on an unforgettable trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima. It was a really exciting experience since this was the first time that I had gone to these two historically and culturally important places.

During the trip, Professor Nakano provided us with depth explanations of the history of Hiroshima and Miyajima, particularly the architectural philosophy behind the Peace Memorial Park, which deepened our understanding of its significance.

On day one of our field trip, we visited the Hiroshima Memorial Park, a historically significant site that honors the victims of the atomic bombing. Our exploration included the Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the few structures left near the explosion's hypocenter, now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cenotaph, which holds the names of all known victims, symbolizing Hiroshima's dedication to peace.

Charred clothing, melted glass, and the shadows of people burned into stone painted a horrifying picture of the suffering endured by thousands. It was not just a historical event—it was a tragedy that affected countless innocent lives. War, regardless of the reason behind it, always brings suffering, and the ones who bear the heaviest burden are ordinary people.

What we saw in the museum reminded us of the tragedy that occurred in Ukraine on April 26, 1976 - the Chornobyl accident. I live in a city that is only 70 kilometers away from this nuclear power plant, and we have many people who once lived in the city of Pripyat, near the nuclear power plant. As in Hiroshima, the consequences of this disaster affected thousands of lives, leaving an indelible mark on history. However, unlike Hiroshima, unfortunately, the residents were never able to return to their city because the radiation contamination was too severe.

In the museum’s guestbook, I saw a message from a sixth-grade student that read, 平和が一番 (Peace is the most important). I repeated those words after them and added, その通りです (That’s exactly right).

Born and raised in Indonesia, I have always understood the profound significance of what happened in Hiroshima, especially in relation to the independence we enjoy today. The events that took place there are deeply intertwined with global history, including Indonesia’s own struggle for freedom.

This visit made me think deeply about the importance of peace. War should never happen again and nuclear weapons should be under strict control. Hiroshima’s message is clear: we must learn from history and work together to create a world without war, where peace is always our priority.

Next, we explored the breathtaking island of Miyajima, home to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. As the tides shifted, the grand torii gate seemed to float upon the sea, creating a mesmerizing connection between past and present. The island’s tranquility stood in stark contrast to Hiroshima’s history, inspiring reflection on humanity’s resilience and the pursuit of renewal.

The peacefulness of the island offered a stark contrast to the somber reflections from the museum, reminding me of the resilience of nature and the possibility of hope and renewal even after great tragedy. This experience painted a beautiful picture of the importance of peace to me—everyone going about their business with no fear of terror.

Miyajima Island taught me to have deep cultural and spiritual appreciation and that beauty comes with simplicity and contentment with what we have. This trip is not just about sightseeing and bonding with my fellow students, but it’s about teaching us resilience, peace, spirituality, harmony, and the power of humanity.

Hiroshima serves not only as a warning, but also as a symbol of hope. The city, reborn from the ruins, demonstrates that even after the most terrible catastrophe, restoration and peaceful development are possible. The only question is whether world leaders are ready to learn from the lessons of the past in order to prevent a new tragedy.