A Thousand Cranes – Symbol for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament
Sadako Sasaki was a young girl stricken with leukemia as a result of atomic bombing in Hiroshima. She was told if she made a thousand paper cranes the gods would heal her. Sadly, she succumbed to her illness, but her story and the origami paper crane serve as a leading symbol of the impact of nuclear war. Words at her memorial read: "This is our cry. This is our prayer. Peace in the world."
To find books about Sadako Sasaki, go to: the Asia Network of Trust (ANT)-Hiroshima Foundation, a Cooperation Circle of URI.
- ANT-Hiroshima produced “Paper Crane Journey,” a picture book that tells the story of Sadako and the children whose efforts led to the Children’s Peace Monument in Hiroshima. ANT-Hiroshima has translated the original Japanese version of the book into 22 languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Dari, Nepalese, Tagalog, and many more. These books are donated to schools and organizations in countries around the world. The aim is to convey the courage and hope demonstrated by the children in the book to children now suffering in situations of conflict or natural disaster. In addition, the book can help spread the message that nuclear weapons must never again be used anywhere on earth. “Paper Crane Journey” was written by Shiho Umino, illustrated by Fukiko Kanou, and published by PHP Kenkyujo.
- ANT-Hiroshima also produced and published the book “Sadako's Prayer,” written and illustrated by Fauzia Minallah, a Pakistani artist. The book is currently available in several languages, including English, Urdu, Dari, and Pashto.
Engage people with Sadako’s story by reading her story and by listening to these stunning musical offerings that were written to commemorate Sadako and the universal yearning for a world free of nuclear weapons.
A beautiful song by Jon Fromer
A beautiful jazz rendition of “A Thousand Cranes” performed by Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland, California.
About this series:
Each year, hundreds of URI Cooperation Circles participate in the International Day of Peace (IDP). As a global community, we put organized global spirit and energy into action! Here are some beloved ideas and inspirations for peacebuilding. You can expect two issues of this series each week until September 21. Hope you love them too and find them useful!
See more posts in this series for more ideas about how to celebrate the International Day of Peace.
May Peace Prevail,
Sally
