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August 23-24, 2025 Marti Eicholz Cruising from Kochi to Hiroshima offers a scenic journey through the Seto Inland Sea. Hiroshima is situated between the Chugoku and Shikoku mountains, which offer some protection from extreme weather. The city itself sits on the Seto Inland Sea, dotted with numerous islands, calm waters, and unique rock formations, adding to the scenic beauty of the region which also leads to a milder climate compared to inland areas. Summers are hot and humid, with August being the warmest month, so it is hot and sticky. It is typhoon season. Hopefully, we will miss the fierce winds and heavy rain. Founded in 1589, Hiroshima evolved from a castle town into a major industrial and military center. Hiroshima is a Japanese city known for its tragic history. The city was the target of the first nuclear weapon used in warfare on August 6, 1945, with the bombing of “Little Boy.” "Little Boy" was a uranium-based atomic bomb. The bomb detonated approximately 1,800 feet above Hiroshima, creating a massive fireball, intense heat, and powerful shockwaves. The blast caused widespread destruction, devastating the city, with initial estimates of deaths ranging from 70,000 to 140,000. Many more suffered from burns, injuries, and radiation sickness. The bombing resulted in long-term health problems, including increased cancer rates and genetic mutations, for survivors. The bombing of Hiroshima, along with the later bombing of Nagasaki, led to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II. However, the use of nuclear weapons raised profound ethical questions about the nature of warfare and its consequences. Rebuilt after the war, Hiroshima has become a center for peace activism and a symbol of the global movement to abolish nuclear weapons, focusing on peace and remembrance. Hiroshima is now a symbol of peace with sites like the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful reminder of the bombing. You can walk around Hiroshima. The Hiroshima City Walk is a course that takes you around the city of Hiroshima, including Hiroshima Castle, reconstructed after the war, offering views of the city, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to remembering the victims of the atomic bombing and educating visitors about the event and its aftermath. Seeing the exhibits, particularly those highlighting personal belongings of victims and photographs of the devastation, can be incredibly moving and evoke a sense of profound sadness and loss. Visiting Hiroshima is an intense and emotional experience. The sheer scale of destruction caused by the atomic bomb is difficult to comprehend. The exhibits and artifacts in the museum, along with the skeletal remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome, can be shocking and disturbing. It's a city that evokes feelings of both profound sadness and hopeful resilience. The history of the atomic bombing is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war, but the city's focus on peace and its welcoming atmosphere also highlights the strength and enduring spirit of its people. The Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome are powerful symbols of Hiroshima's past and its commitment to peace. The Peace Park, the first of its kind, is a place for reflection and remembrance, while the Atomic Bomb Dome serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the atomic bombing. Hiroshima encourages reflection on the human cost of war and the importance of peace. The city's atmosphere, particularly during the annual lantern ceremony where people send paper lanterns down the river with messages of peace, can be very contemplative. Despite its tragic past, Hiroshima has rebuilt itself into a vibrant and welcoming city. The dedication of the citizens to promoting peace and the positive spirit of the city can be inspiring and offer a sense of hope for the future. The way Hiroshima commemorates the past while looking towards the future is admirable. The focus on global peace and the efforts to educate future generations about the dangers of nuclear weapons are commendable. Visiting Hiroshima is a challenging experience, but it's also an incredibly powerful one. It's a place that forces you to confront difficult truths about the past while also inspiring hope for a better future. Hiroshima, Japan, is a city of layered experiences, offering both sobering reminders of its past and vibrant expressions of its present. Some of the intriguing aspects of Hiroshima: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a savory pancake, featuring layers of ingredients like noodles, cabbage, meat, and seafood, topped with a sweet and savory sauce. Oysters are a local delicacy, often served raw or cooked. Momiji Manju are maple leaf-shaped cakes, filled with sweet bean paste. The city is known for its passionate baseball fans and the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Attending a game is a wonderful way to experience local culture. Hiroshima's Kumano region is known as the "brush capital of Japan," producing a sizable portion of the country's calligraphy and painting brushes, as well as high-quality makeup brushes. The first plant to bloom following the atomic bomb in 1945, Oleander is the official flower of Hiroshima, Japan. Oleander's ability to bloom amidst the devastation of the atomic bomb made it a powerful symbol of hope and the city's ability to recover. The bright, colorful blooms of the Oleander serve as a visual reminder of the city's past and its ongoing commitment to peace and recovery. Today, Hiroshima is a vibrant city with a thriving economy and a strong cultural identity, while still acknowledging its tragic past. Hiroshima’s resilience and dedication to peace will be long remembered. |
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