A symbol of peace stands before you. It is the \u5e73\u548c\u3068\u5065\u5eb7\u306e\u9418 Sculpture. This sculpture represents a deep yearning for world peace. It embodies the hope for a world free from conflict.
The \u5e73\u548c\u3068\u5065\u5eb7\u306e\u9418 Sculpture story began in 1954. Chiyoji Nakagawa, a council member of the UN Association of Japan, proposed a Peace Bell. He envisioned it as a symbol of hope. Coins and medals were collected from over 60 nations. These were melted down to cast the bell.
Nakagawa’s idea received unanimous support. The UN Economic and Social Council officially accepted it. The bell found its home in the Japanese Garden of the United Nations headquarters. It became known as the Japanese Peace Bell.
The bell bears an inscription. It reads \u201clong live absolute world peace.\u201d The sun and moon are depicted. They are surrounded by laurel at the point where the bell hammer strikes.
The belfry was crafted by Rinpei Oshita. It resembles the blossom temple where Buddha was born. Sand from atom-bombed areas was included. It was buried under the belfry’s foundation stone. The bell and belfry were presented on June 8.
The \u5e73\u548c\u3068\u5065\u5eb7\u306e\u9418 Sculpture stands as a replacement. The original bell was temporarily brought back to Osaka for the Expo in 1970. Nakagawa created a similar bell to fill its absence at the UN. After the Expo, the original bell returned to the UN headquarters. The replica remained in Osaka.
The \u5e73\u548c\u3068\u5065\u5eb7\u306e\u9418 Sculpture measures approximately 52 centimeters in diameter. It is about 70 centimeters in height. The sculpture weighs around 151 kilograms.
The \u5e73\u548c\u3068\u5065\u5eb7\u306e\u9418 Sculpture is rung twice a year at the UN. It is tolled on the first day of spring. It is also rung on the International Day of Peace. The UN Secretary-General leads the ceremony.
In 1994, a special ceremony marked the bell’s fortieth anniversary. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali emphasized the bell’s message. He said that peace requires long hard work.
The Association for the Preservation of UN Peace Bell continues Nakagawa’s mission. His daughter, Seiko Takase, established the organization. The association promotes the message of peace through various activities. They conduct bell-ringing ceremonies. They host workshops with children.
Consider the \u5e73\u548c\u3068\u5065\u5eb7\u306e\u9418 Sculpture. It symbolizes a global desire for peace. The sculpture stands as a reminder. It highlights the importance of unity. It promotes understanding among all nations.