A Young Voice for Peace
Shun Sasaki, a 12-year-old student at Hiroshima municipal Gion Elementary School, has become a powerful voice for peace. This year, he and another 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 this family history has deeply influenced his passion for sharing the importance of remembering the past.
Shun is also a volunteer guide at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where he speaks English to tourists. His dedication to peace began when he was just four years old, as he could already express his thoughts in English. By first grade, he became interested in the Peace Memorial Park and started asking questions about its significance. One question that stood out was why the city kept the dilapidated Atomic Bomb Dome instead of tearing it down. His mother encouraged him to research the topic, and together they learned about the bombing and the city’s recovery.
Sharing Stories and Spreading Awareness
Shun’s interest in the park led him to start guiding visitors. He uses quizzes and shares information about local restaurants, making his tours engaging and informative. He also gives out paper cranes, a symbol of peace and hope, and encourages people to share what they’ve learned.
One of the most impactful stories Shun shares is about his great-grandmother, Yuriko. She was 12 when the bomb exploded and was trapped under her ruined house before being saved by her father. She later developed cancer and passed away at 69. Her name is listed among the A-bomb victims. Shun learned about her story from his grandfather and was shocked to discover that someone close to him had experienced the tragedy firsthand. He feels a responsibility to share her story with others.
The Power of Connection
Shun’s experiences as a guide have shown him the impact of his words. During one visit, an American tourist was moved by Shun’s story and changed his perspective on nuclear weapons. A Dutch visitor also said he learned something new. Shun realized that when he guides, he can touch people’s hearts. He believes that wars happen because people struggle to accept differences in other countries’ cultures and ways of thinking. In daily life, he emphasizes the importance of seeking the good in others rather than focusing on the bad.
A Message of Facts and Understanding
This year, Shun and another student were chosen from over 10,000 sixth graders to read the Children’s Commitment to Peace. He hopes to spread awareness about the true nature of the tragedy and encourage people to learn the facts rather than focus on right or wrong. For Shun, the message is clear: remembering the past is essential to building a peaceful future.
Through his work as a guide, storyteller, and advocate, Shun continues to inspire others to reflect on the importance of peace and understanding. His journey highlights how even a young voice can make a significant difference in the world.
