44. Sakura-tai, Touring Theater Members Monument
When cherry blossoms bloom,
When cherry blossoms fall,
I recollect nine cherry trees
Falling on that summer day --
Nine lives.
Explanation
The Japanese Travelling Theatricals Association was organized under national orders in WWΙΙ. Nine members of Sakura-tai, a touring theater from the association, were killed in the bombing at their quarters in Horikawa-cho.
A simple wooden monument was erected by journalists from the Chugoku Shimbun Press in August, 1951. At the first World Conference Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs in August, 1955 in Hiroshima, the necessity of an official monument was addressed to new members of theatrical troupes.
The present monument was erected in August, 1959, in cooperation with six theatrical companies; Shin-seisakuza, Bungakuza, Haiyuza, Budo-no-kai, Mingei, Chuo-geijutsugekijo and “The War Victims of Theatrical People Memorial Group.” The history plate was made by the Hiroshima City Theater.
Location : Komachi, Naka-ku