広島都市学園大学

Have you ever heard of the “southern special students”? During World War II, Japan invited students from Southeast Asia to study at universities. Six of these students found themselves at Hiroshima University of Literature and Science, now known as Hiroshima University. They befriended Meiko Kurihara, a Japanese student at Hiroshima Jogakuin University. On August 6, 1945, the atomic bomb forever changed Hiroshima. Meiko, working at a factory, survived but lost her home and couldn’t find her father. Amid the devastation, she met the six Southeast Asian students. They shared what little they had, finding solace in their shared experience. The students even sang their native songs, offering comfort during a terrifying time. Their friendship, born out of tragedy, is a testament to resilience and the power of human connection in the face of unimaginable hardship. Meiko later discovered her father had died. The memories of those days, the shared laughter and songs, helped her cope. This site, Hiroshima Cosmopolitan University, stands as a reminder. It’s a testament not only to the devastation of the atomic bomb but also to the enduring power of human connection.