Sadako Sasaki and Her
1000 Cranes

Sadako Sasaki was the inspiration for the “Sadako statue” which is the Children`s Peace Monument in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. 

I first learned of Sadako when I read “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” by Eleanor Coerr as a primary school student.

Her story has remained with me ever since.

Two years old and living approximately 1 mile away from ground zero when the Hiroshima bombing wiped out the city, Sadako developed leukemia at the age of 12. 

There is a, now world famous, Japanese legend that says if one folds 1000 paper cranes they will be granted a wish. As she grew sicker this is exactly what this brave little girl attempted to do. 

According to Eleanor Coerr`s book, Sadako was only able to fold 644 paper cranes before she died, with her school friends completing the rest.

However, at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, there is a display which tells that Sadako did indeed fold the 1000 cranes.

Unfortunately despite reaching her goal, she passed away on October 25th, 1955.

Like thousands of others, Sadako became a victim in the Hiroshima aftermath, but she left behind a legacy of hope and peace that continues to inspire thousands more around the world.

In May,1958, due to the fund raising efforts of her friends, the “Sadoko statue” was unveiled in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. 

To this day, children from all corners of the earth send folded paper cranes which are displayed around the Children`s Peace Monument and contain their own messages of hope and peace.