Hiroshima Memorial: Shelter for Lost Souls

The Hiroshima Memorial Cenotaph is a sad yet elegant tribute.

A tribute not only to those who lost their lives on the day of the Hiroshima bombing, but also to those who died from its effects in the aftermath.

In the center of Hiroshima Peace Park, the memorial is arched-shaped like the roof of an ancient Japanese house, symbolizing a shelter for the victim`s souls. Underneath the arch is a chest which contains the names of the almost quarter of a million people who died.

Inscribed on the Memorial Cenotaph in Japanese is: “Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil.”

When standing in front of the Cenotaph, the Flame of Peace and the Genbaku Dome (Atomic Bomb Dome) are visible through the arch, providing a thought provoking scene.