Peace Bell Honsen-ji, Shinagawa

Lost and found, a temple bell’s journey echoes the spirit of peace at the Peace Bell Honsen-ji, Shinagawa, right here in Geneva. In the late 19th century, Honsen-ji Temple in Shinagawa, Tokyo, suffered a devastating fire. The temple’s 200-year-old brazen bell vanished. Years later, it resurfaced unexpectedly in Aarau, Switzerland. Art collector Gustave Revilliod acquired the bell, placing it in the Ariana Museum’s park in Geneva. The bell’s existence came to light again in 1919, thanks to a Japanese student. Negotiations began for the bell’s return to Honsen-ji Temple. Finally, in 1930, Geneva returned the bell. The head priest believed the returned bell protected the temple from bombings during World War II. Years later, the head priest’s son initiated a project to create a replica of the bell as a gesture of gratitude to Geneva. In 1991, the replica bell was presented to Geneva and placed in the Ariana Museum’s park, where the original bell once resided. The replica Peace Bell Honsen-ji, Shinagawa in Geneva stands as a symbol of friendship between Shinagawa and Geneva. It is a testament to the enduring power of peace and cultural exchange. This replica bell, a gift from Shinagawa to Geneva, reminds us of the bell’s incredible journey. It also symbolizes the strong bond between two cities on opposite sides of the world.