旧天神町南組慰霊碑

In the heart of Hiroshima, alongside the serene Motoyasu River, stands the poignant 旧天神町南組慰霊碑, a memorial dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing. This memorial, established in 1973, holds a powerful message of remembrance and peace. The very location of 旧天神町南組慰霊碑 speaks volumes. The old Tenjin-cho town, a long narrow area along the Motoyasu River, was tragically devastated by the atomic blast. The war-time neighborhood associations, north and south, became important markers of loss and survival. The southern association, commemorated here at the 旧天神町南組慰霊碑, experienced almost total loss. Those who were home at the time or outside involved in war efforts, like building firebreaks, perished. 旧天神町南組慰霊碑 stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite immense suffering, the survivors rebuilt their lives and community. The memorial’s bronze relief, crafted by Masanao Yoshida, depicts three celestial maidens gracefully dancing. They symbolize hope and the enduring spirit of the victims. This serene artwork amidst the somber history offers a flicker of light in remembrance of a devastating past. The atomic bomb decimated not only buildings, but also the fabric of neighborhoods. The community at the southern part of Tenjincho was ordered to create firebreaks in April 1945. This placed them directly in the path of destruction. Between the bombing and the end of 1945, 88 people from the south neighborhood association perished. By 1981, the confirmed death toll reached a staggering 115 direct casualties, with another 11 lost in war and 34 later deaths attributed to the bomb’s devastating effects. As you stand before the 旧天神町南組慰霊碑, let us reflect on the lives lost and remember the importance of peace.