A Young Voice for Peace in Hiroshima
Shun Sasaki, a 12-year-old sixth-grade student at Hiroshima municipal Gion Elementary School, has become an important voice for peace. This year, he and one other child will read the Children’s Commitment to Peace on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6. Shun’s great-grandmother was a hibakusha, or A-bomb survivor, and her story has deeply influenced his perspective on history and humanity.
Shun is also a volunteer guide at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where he speaks English to tourists. His passion for sharing the story of the city’s past began when he was just a young boy. He started listening to English learning materials when he was only 7 months old, and by the age of 4, he could already express his thoughts in English. His interest in the Peace Memorial Park grew during first grade, when he asked his mother why the Atomic Bomb Dome was kept in its dilapidated state instead of being torn down and replaced.
His mother encouraged him to explore the question together, and they learned about the bombing and the city’s recovery. That curiosity led Shun to start guiding visitors at the park. He now guides tourists twice a month at seven different locations within the park, using quizzes and sharing information about local restaurants like okonomiyaki spots.
Sharing Family History
Shun also shares the story of his great-grandmother, Yuriko. She was 12 years old when the bomb exploded and was trapped under her ruined house but was saved by her father. They eventually escaped to a safer place. However, Yuriko later developed cancer and passed away at the age of 69. Her name is recorded in the register of A-bomb victims.
Shun learned about Yuriko from his grandfather, and it was a powerful moment for him. “I never thought there would be a hibakusha in my family,” he said. “It was a shock to know someone close to me experienced the tragedy.” He added, “Now that I know, I must share it.”
Impact Through Storytelling
Shun’s experiences as a guide have had a significant impact on those he meets. One March, he met an American tourist who changed his views on nuclear weapons after hearing Shun’s story. A Dutch man also shared that he learned something new from their conversation. Shun realized that when he guides, he can move people’s hearts.
He also reflects on the ongoing conflicts in the world. “Wars happen because people can’t accept differences in other countries’ cultures and ways of thinking,” he said. “Even in daily life, I think it’s important to search for the good in other people, not just the bad things.”
A Promising Future
This year, Shun and another student were chosen from over 10,000 sixth graders to read the Children’s Commitment to Peace. He emphasized the importance of sharing the facts about the tragedy rather than focusing on right or wrong. “Many people don’t know the true nature of the tragedy,” he said. “I want people to know the facts.”
Through his dedication to education, storytelling, and guiding visitors, Shun is helping to keep the memory of Hiroshima alive. His work shows that even the youngest voices can make a meaningful contribution to peace and understanding. As he continues to share his family’s story and the lessons of history, Shun is proving that the future of peace lies in the hands of those who are willing to learn, speak, and act.
