Slipping through time, imagine the frantic rush of survivors seeking refuge. They stumbled towards Shiwa IC, a small station on the Geibi Line. It bore witness to the harrowing aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing. Shiwa IC, though not directly hit, became a vital link to safety for those fleeing the devastated city. Established on April 28, 1915, Shiwa IC served as a crucial transportation hub. The name “Shiwa” comes from nearby Shiwa-cho in Higashihiroshima. On August 6, 1945, the world changed forever. The atomic bomb’s impact rippled outwards. A school first aid station was quickly set up near Shiwa IC. It provided desperate care to those injured in the bombing. They arrived by train on the Geibi Line, seeking medical aid and a path away from the destruction. The station, usually a place of bustling activity, transformed into a sanctuary of hope amidst despair. The station building, a one-story concrete structure, stood as a silent observer to this human tragedy. Though renovated in 1980, the memories of that fateful day remain imprinted on Shiwa IC’s history. The station, once staffed and home to a station cat, became unstaffed in 2021. Yet, its significance as a haven during unimaginable circumstances continues to resonate. Shiwa IC, a small station with a big story, stands as a reminder of resilience and the enduring human spirit.
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