おりがみ The value of peace

Commemorating 6 August 1945

This term, Year 7 and 8 students have learnt how to make origami paper cranes.  The crane is the national bird of Japan and, as a symbol of longevity and good luck, it features in many Japanese myths.

Students studied the story of Sadako Sasaki, who made paper cranes in her hospital bed in 1955. She was affected by radiation from the atomic bomb that fell on Hiroshima when she was two years old. She believed that if she made 1000 cranes, it would bring true her wish to recover from leukaemia. When she ran out or paper, she used the cellophane wrapping from medicines and anything else she could find.

During Japanese classes, the boys discussed the events of 6 August 1945 in Hiroshima and in Nagasaki three days later.  They recognised the value of peace, and the responsibility we have to remember the atomic tragedy and never allow it to be repeated.  

The boys had the opportunity to write Kanji characters in Japanese calligraphy.  A number of boys demonstrated impressive artistic skill in writing the Kanji characters for ‘Hiroshima’ and ‘Peace’. 

Shintaro Nagayama
Japanese Teacher