The phrase does not describe the behaviour of all citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. For example, Senji Yamaguchi, who was a victim of the atomic bomb in Nagasaki and served as chairman of the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Victims Council, along with two other family members of atomic bomb victims, trampled on the wreath laid by the captain of the United States Navy warship Rodney M. Davis at the Peace Memorial Statue on September 16, 1989, declaring, "This is not a tribute!"[1]
The possibility that this phrase is based on some kind of propaganda is also suggested by the results of a survey conducted in 2010 by Noriyuki Kawano (then Associate Professor at the Hiroshima University Institute for Peace Science).[2][3]
Nagasaki Prefecture has designated August 9 as the "Prefectural Prayer Day."
Atomic Bomb Day
The anniversary of the atomic bombing falls during the summer vacation period.
Hiroshima
The Hiroshima City Board of Education issued notices in 2006 and 2007 requesting that August 6 be a school day, which have been implemented by many of the city's primary and secondary schools.
Nagasaki
For many years, August 9 has been the school day for all public primary, secondary and high schools throughout Nagasaki Prefecture. However, if August 9 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the school day is often shifted to either the day before or the day after.
In addition to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, many cities, towns, and villages across Japan also designate August 6 or August 9 as school days for public primary and secondary schools.
Sadako Kurihara - Published a collection of poems with some parts deleted and censored.
Sankichi Tōge - Published a collection of poems underground to avoid censorship.
"Pikadon" by Iri Maruki and Toshi Maruki - Banned by GHQ censorship. Published in conjunction with the San Francisco Peace Treaty in 1952.
Nagasaki
"Leaving This Child Behind" - Published after censorship by GHQ and became a bestseller.
Takashi Nagai’s "The Bells of Nagasaki" - Initially banned by GHQ, but later permitted to be published. In 1949, the same year as the book was published, a popular song of the same name was inspired by the book, and the following year a movie of the same name was made.
Songs
Hiroshima
"We will never forgive the atomic bomb" (原爆を許すまじ/ Genbaku o yurusumaji) - Lyrics by Ishiji Asada, music by Koji Kinoshita
Nagasaki
"The Bells of Nagasaki" (長崎の鐘/ Nagasaki no kane) - Lyrics by Hachiro Sato, music by Yūji Koseki, vocals by Ichirō Fujiyama
Declaration of Peace
Hiroshima
Discussion meetings on the experience of the atomic bombing - including stories of atomic bombing survivors - have been held.
Nagasaki
After several meetings of the Peace Declaration Drafting Committee, the Nagasaki City Peace Promotion Office compiled a draft text, and in 2007, after further consultation with the City Council, the Mayor of Nagasaki made the final declaration.[4][5]
Notes
↑ Japanese: 怒りの広島 祈りの長崎, Hepburn: Ikari no Hiroshima Inori no Nagasaki; lit.'Hiroshima of Anger, Nagasaki of Prayer', also referred to as "Shouting Hiroshima, Praying Nagasaki"
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