Nagasaki Peace Statue 平和祈念像

Looking out over the Nagasaki Peace Park , the Nagasaki Peace Statue is not only a stark reminder of the devastation that befell this city after the atomic bombing during the final stages of World War II on August 9, 1945 but also a dedication to the victims of the atrocity.

Reach the Nagasaki Peace Statue and Nagasaki Peace Park by tram.

From Nagasaki Station, take the blue Nagasaki Denki tram across the street and get off at the Peace Park stop, just a few minutes' walk from the park. The Nagasaki Peace Statue is at its northern end.

A black vault at the foot of the Hypocenter Monument, located 500 meters from the Nagasaki Peace Statue, holds the names of the victims of the atomic bombing and those who died years later.

Next to the statue, you will find colorful, hanging garlands of paper cranes. Each year, well-wishers from across the country and around the world send thousands of these folded origami cranes to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, sites of the atomic bombings, as prayers for peace.

Despite the harrowing history behind this statue, its multitude of meanings make spending some time here an essential part of any visit to the Nagasaki Peace Park .

The statue was designed by the sculptor Seibou Kitamura, and each aspect of it holds symbolic importance.

The right hand pointing to the sky reminds us of the danger of nuclear weapons, while the extended left hand symbolizes eternal peace. The statue's face also embodies peace, while its closed eyes represent a prayer for the repose of the victims' souls.

His folded right leg is in meditation while the extended left leg is rooted to the ground, asking us to stand up and help the world. Take note of serene seated Buddha statues in Japan, and you will see where this posture came from.

Before visiting the Nagasaki Peace Park and the Nagasaki Peace Statue, plan to spend some time at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum for a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history and its impact on Japan. The museum is just a seven-minute walk from the park. It is a solemn visit but also a moving, unforgettable experience.