“Ninoshima,” the island of resemblance. Doesn’t that name alone spark curiosity? Ninoshima Island sits in the sea, facing Hiroshima. It is more than just a picturesque spot. Ninoshima is steeped in history.
Just a short ferry ride separates us from Hiroshima. Imagine arriving at the small fishing port. This island, only 3.87 square kilometers, holds stories of refuge and resilience.
Let’s journey back to the island’s past. Ninoshima served as a quarantine area during the first Sino-Japanese War. Japanese soldiers returned facing a cholera epidemic. Later, it became a prison for German soldiers during World War I.
However, Ninoshima Island is most renowned for its role after August 6, 1945. The atomic bomb devastated Hiroshima. Thousands sought refuge here. Makeshift canoes carried victims to Ninoshima. A hospital was set up. Around 10,000 people found shelter. Many were victims of the bombing. The following year, an orphanage was built to house children orphaned by the war.
Today, memorials stand as testaments to this history. Every year on August 4th, a peace ceremony takes place. Fewer than 1,000 people call Ninoshima home now. The island is known for its hiking trail. This trail leads up Aki no Kofuji. It is Ninoshima’s small mountain, resembling Mount Fuji. “Aki no Kofuji” means “little Fuji of Aki”. Aki is the old name for Hiroshima prefecture.
Imagine hiking this trail. It is relatively easy and takes about an hour. All along the way to the summit, admire the Seto Sea. See the surrounding islands and oyster beds. Hiroshima itself is particularly beautiful at sunset.
Ninoshima Island has also been an ongoing excavation project. The remains of the atomic bomb victims are recovered here. Many of the victims could not be cremated. They were buried here, one on top of another.
Ninoshima’s story is a reminder. Even during terrible times, people seek to help each other. Preserving this history is important for residents and the world. We owe it to ourselves to remember the lessons of Hiroshima. We remember it for today and tomorrow.