Children's Peace Monument Travel Guide

The Children's Peace Monument, also known as the Atomic Bomb Children's Monument, is located in Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park. This monument is dedicated to the memory of Sadako Sasaki, who was two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Ten years later, she developed leukemia as a result of the radiation. Inspired by the Japanese legend that folding 1,000 paper cranes would grant a wish, Sadako began folding cranes in hopes of recovery. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 12, before reaching her goal.Following Sadako's death, her classmates initiated a nationwide campaign to build a monument in honor of her and all the children who lost their lives due to the atomic bombing. The monument was completed in 1958 with support from over 3,100 schools in Japan and nine schools internationally. Designed by Kazuo Kikuchi, the monument features a bronze statue of a girl holding a paper crane. The monument stands nine meters tall and is inscribed with the words: "This is our cry. This is our prayer. Build peace in the world". Millions of paper cranes are placed around the monument each year, demonstrating a collective desire for peace and reconciliation. The Children's Peace Monument has become an international symbol of peace and a place for reflection on the impact of war.