18. Sotoku Middle School Monument
Camphor tree, Camphor tree,
You survived the A-bombing despite burns.
Where has my brother gone?
You are taller than I.
Tell me if you know.
I have just returned from the school evacuation.
Explanation
In 1875, a Buddhist sect of Jodo Shinshu believers set up an education facility to teach Buddhism for their youngsters.
In 1913, the Sotoku Middle School was opened for boys at the present location.
August 6, 1945, the school buildings were burned completely in the A-bombing. Altogether 522, students and teachers were killed in the bombing.
Also, at the time of the bombing, the school building was being used as a temporary barracks by the Independent Railway 2nd Battalion, where about 200 personnel were stationed. Many of them are also said to be killed.
Location : Sotoku Gakuen, Kusunoki-cho, Nishi-ku