The second week of August is always a bit somber for me. Sandwiched between the lazy summer days of July and frantic preparation for the new semester later this month, are these days when I hold Japan close to my heart and remember the horrific events that brought about the end of WWII in the Pacific theater. There are many political topics that have been discussed, and this is not one of those posts. Instead, I want to introduce you to Sadako Sasaki and her connection to the city I live in now.
Born in 1943, Sadako was just 2 years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, but her family was fortunate to escape. In 1955, Sadako, like many children who were exposed to radiation, was diagnosed with leukemia and hospitalized. At that time, children with this form of cancer were expected to have less than a year to live. To cheer her up, a friend reminded her of the legend that says if you fold 1000 paper cranes your wish will come true. And so she began to fold…
On October 5, 1955, Sadako passed away surrounded by those who loved her. In eight months the twelve year old girl had folded 644 origami cranes. Her family and friends folded the remaining 356. All 1000 were buried with her.
When you go to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, you will see millions of origami cranes sent from around the world at the base of every statute. This is especially true for the Children’s Peace Monument.
It is Sadako Sasaki at the top, holding the origami crane…
I’d like to share with a memorial that was inspired by her in the city where I live, Independence, Missouri. Independence is the hometown of President Harry S. Truman…. the US President who made the fateful decision to use nuclear weapons. There in the heart of the city is another statue, commissioned by the United Nations, featuring a young woman with a dove taking flight. It is the only UN memorial in the world dedicated to UN peacekeepers. Is it Sadako? I do not know, but is it not difficult to see the inspiration from the Children’s Peace Memorial in Hiroshima.
In 2015, the grandson of President Harry Truman, Clifton Truman Daniel, was presented with one of Sadako’s last cranes by her brother. This crane is on display at the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri.
Spending a few quiet days thinking of my family and friends in Japan and around the world. Like Sadako, I’m wishing for peace.
~Tracie Whiting Kipper
If you are interested in a multiliteracy curriculum about Sadako for yourself, your students, or your homeschool program, please send me a message below.
My Nihongo Lessons 