The stories written by the hibakusha, their families, and the bereaved relatives of the victims are extremely moving, containing truths and emotions that only those who know the reality of the atomic bombing can write.
　The Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims holds "A-bomb Testimony Recital Sessions" to share the memories and thoughts of the hibakusha with many people and pass them on to the next generation by reading and talking about their testimonies and A-bomb poetry.
　At the recital sessions, first images are used to explain the actual damage caused by the atomic bombing. This is followed by the reading of A-bomb testimonies and poetry by A-bomb testimony recital volunteers. Finally, the participants read out their own A-bomb poems. By listening to the readings while imagining what it was like at the time of the atomic bombing, and by actually reading aloud, the experience of the atomic bombing as it was written down is conveyed with a sense of realism, and the sorrow, suffering, and desire for peace of the hibakusha is deeply felt.
　On August 5 and 6, 2021, four recital sessions were held, twice a day, where visitors to Peace Memorial Park could participate without reservations. A total of 143 people participated in the event, including parents, children, and students who were visiting Hiroshima as part of peace studies. Participants commented, "I could truly understand the sorrow of the hibakusha," and "I was moved to tears when I actually read it out loud."
　The Peace Memorial Hall holds various recital sessions, including regular recital sessions held on the third Sunday of every month, recital sessions for children and students who visit the Peace Memorial Park on school trips or for peace studies, and recital sessions held at schools, where A-bomb testimony recital volunteers travel to the schools. Please contact the Peace Memorial Hall for inquiries. Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims
Phone: (082) 207-1202