Hiroshima a Story to be Told Through Photographs and Words

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum are filled with historical and cultural memories of a tragic event. To me, the one that stands out most is a charred finger preserved in a jar. As I toured the museum I came across the exhibit, and it was an unexpected gut punch. At the time I chose not to capture a photograph of the finger, possibly because I was stunned, but more likely because I thought it's wasn't something I should do. Over the years I've changed my I belief and feel that I could have shared the image and maybe it would have the same impact. I have not returned to Hiroshima since my journey in August 2011 but plan to do so in the not so distant future.

I obtained the below facts from the Hiroshima Prefectural Government Website:

• Currently Hiroshima is a vibrant city with an estimated population of 2.8 million people.  
• The estimated population of Hiroshima prior to the bombing was approximately 350,000. 
• Manufacturing accounts for a large portion of the industries located in Hiroshima Prefecture.
• Oysters are the Prefectural Fish and have been farmed here for 450 years.

• The first bomb was nicknamed Little Boy and was dropped by the Enola Gay (B-29 Boeing Fortress Bomber).
• It exploded in midair 600 meters above the Shima Hospital.
• Temperatures were between 3000 - 4000 centigrade.
• Approximately 140,000 people died.

The first photo is the remnants of the A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome). Prior to the bombing it housed the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion. It was designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel. The building was completed in April of 1915, and ironically opened to the public in August of the same year. In 1996 it was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

At 0815 August 6, 1945 Hiroshima would be changed forever. What appeared to be a peaceful city as depicted in the below photograph, to one of complete and utter devastation. Ninety percent of the city was destroyed. In the before photo in the upper left corner, is a clock showing the time. I didn't realize this until recently.

Hiroshima After

Hiroshima Before

Although Hiroshima has recovered, the contrast of the old and new can be seen in the below photograph. It serves as a reminder of what occurred on August 6, 1945. But also, given the devastation, it shows with determination and will, the city recovered and is just as vibrant as before.