The year is 1994. The eyes of Asia are fixed on Hiroshima. Not for somber remembrance, but for the thrill of athletic competition. The Hiroshima Prefectural Sports Center, known affectionately as the “Green Arena,” is abuzz with energy. Right here, on this very spot, history is unfolding. Newly renovated and renamed, the Hiroshima Prefectural Sports Center is hosting the 12th Asian Games. The air crackles with anticipation as athletes from across the continent prepare to compete. This isn’t the first time the Hiroshima Prefectural Sports Center has witnessed such grandeur. Its roots stretch back to a time of rebuilding and hope, 1962. It stood as a symbol of resilience, rising from the ashes of a city scarred by war. The original Hiroshima Prefectural Sports Center was a beacon of community, hosting sporting events, exhibitions, and even concerts. It saw generations come and go, witnessing triumphs and tragedies alike. One can’t forget the tragic incident in 2009 during a Pro Wrestling Noah event. Then-president Mitsuharu Misawa’s untimely passing cast a shadow over the arena. Yet, the Hiroshima Prefectural Sports Center endures, a testament to human strength and the power of collective spirit. Today, it continues to draw crowds with its impressive facilities. The main arena, the Green Arena, can hold an astonishing 10,000 spectators. It has hosted international events like the 2006 FIBA World Championship and the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. From the echoes of victory cheers to the silent whispers of remembrance, the Hiroshima Prefectural Sports Center holds a unique place in Hiroshima’s narrative. It’s a space where the past and present converge, where athletic prowess intertwines with the indomitable spirit of a city reborn. As you leave this arena, remember its story. It is a story of resilience, a story of community, a story of Hiroshima.
芸州廿日市御本陣旧跡
“A castle built on the plain?” you might ask. “Isn’t that a bit…exposed?” And indeed, the Hiroshima Gokoku Jinja, the