Short-term JICA participants, who stay in Hiroshima, often visit Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome as a part of training program to think about peace. Every year for those who come to Hiroshima during summer, we invite them to "Peace Memorial Ceremony" held on August 6th. This year we also invited long-term participants who are studying at Hiroshima University.

The following are the messages from those who participated the ceremony.

"Peace means living without fear, conflict, or hate. It's when people understand and respect each other. Peace starts inside us and spreads to others through kindness and fairness.
Ceremony is a special event or tradition that helps people come together to remember, celebrate, or show respect. It can be simple or grand, but it always carries meaning.
When peace and ceremony come together, they help people heal, connect, and feel hope. A peaceful ceremony can bring comfort, unity, and a fresh star."

"The atomic bombings of Hiroshima represent some of the gravest errors in human history, leading to the deaths of thousands of innocent lives, including women and children. Eighty years later, many Hibakusha (survivors) still suffer from the aftermath of that devastating event. It is our honorable duty to remember, pray, and deeply respect the souls lost during the atomic bombings...

The events of August 6, 2025, serve as a stark reminder not only of the horror we faced but also of the importance of peace and the urgent need for a world free of nuclear weapons...Japan remains the only nation to have suffered a nuclear attack. Many survivors have shared their painful experiences and committed to advocating for a world without nuclear arms."

My Experience at the 80th Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony.
"Today, August 6, 2025, I feel truly honored to have had the opportunity to attend the 80th Peace Memorial Ceremony held in Hiroshima City. Arriving at the venue at 6:00 AM, I immediately felt a profound sense of peace and reverence, which further amplified the significance of the event. The program of the ceremony was…incredibly emotional and served as a profound symbol of respect for those who suffered.

Among the most touching moments of the ceremony were the "Silent Prayer and Peace Bell" at 8:15 AM and the "Peace Declaration" by the Mayor of Hiroshima at 8:16 AM. During the moment of silence, the entire atmosphere was enveloped in deep stillness, a silent homage to the victims of the atomic bomb...This experience has made me more emotional and respectful. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony is not just a memorial; it is an eternal call to the world to build a future free from war and nuclear weapons.”