Let’s step back in time and imagine a bustling harbor at the turn of the 20th century. This is Senda-byo Park, situated in the heart of Hiroshima. It holds within its quiet embrace the remnants of a forgotten era, a time when Hiroshima was a center of trade and commerce. The park was created in honor of Senba Eijiro, a prominent figure in the history of Hiroshima. He was a renowned local expert on natural resources and contributed significantly to the progress of this city’s port activities. When Senba Eijiro passed away in 1916, this park was established to commemorate his legacy. The park itself is a haven of green, offering a respite from the bustling city. It’s a place where visitors can wander through lush gardens, stroll beneath towering trees, and listen to the gentle murmur of the wind through the leaves. It even boasts a replica of the Senba Monument, originally erected in 1918, which stands proud amongst the other monuments dedicated to historical figures from Hiroshima’s past.
Beyond these calming sights, Senda-byo Park is a place of intriguing history. The Senba Monument holds a peculiar secret. It features a bronze relief depicting the harbor as it was during the Meiji era. You might not notice it, but at the bottom of this relief, there’s a small, seemingly inconsequential inscription. It reads “Made in Germany.” It’s a testament to the global connections that Hiroshima had in the early 20th century and a little reminder that even in a place far away, a small inscription can hold a big secret.