4. Merciful Goddess of Peace (Nakajima Hon-machi Townspeople Monument)
The town disappeared in one flash --
Nakajima Hon-machi.
That town was reborn in peace,
Replaced by a park.
People around the world come to pray in
Peace Park.
Explanation
Nakajima Hon-machi was 100~700 meters from the hypocenter. The inscription beside the figure reads as follows:
“Oh, the site of Nakajima Hon-machi! It was a thriving business area in Hiroshima throughout the Meiji, Taisho and early Showa eras. On August 6, 1945, nearly all the townspeople were mercilessly killed in an instant in the A-bombing. Surviving residents gathered and erected the Figure of Merciful Goddess of Peace as a prayer forever for the repose of the deceased. Every year on August 6, a memorial service is held from 9 o' clock in front of this monument. We would appreciate a large attendance. Nakajima Merciful Goddess Association”
* In those days nothing religious was allowed inside the Peace Memorial Park, but this Figure of Merciful Goddess was exceptionally allowed as an artwork. It is the work of Shuzan Arai, a sculptor.
Location : Peace Memorial Park, Naka-ku
Music : Merciful Goddess of Peace (Nakajima Hon-machi Townspeople Monument)(1:50)
Keiko Kotoku Marimba Peace Concert
at Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hiroshima (2008/6/26)