Cenotaph for Korean Victims, Hiroshima

The Cenotaph for Korean Victims in Hiroshima stands as a solemn and poignant tribute to a group of victims whose plight has been historically neglected. Among the staggering number of people who perished or suffered from the devastating consequences of the atomic bomb explosion in Hiroshima, at least 45,000 were Korean. However, the true extent of the Korean victims remains uncertain, as they were often marginalized as a minority population.

Adding to the historical significance of this monument is the fact that after the liberation from Japanese colonialism, around 300,000 survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings returned to Korea, seeking to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the harrowing experiences they endured.

The Cenotaph, adorned with Korean national symbols, serves a profound purpose - to honor the memory of the Korean victims and survivors of both the atomic bomb and the oppressive Japanese colonial rule.

Inscribed upon the monument are powerful and poignant words that pay homage to the lost souls. The main inscription reads, "The Monument in Memory of the Korean Victims of the A-Bomb. In memory of the souls of His Highness Prince Yi Wu and over 20,000 other souls." Additionally, a side-inscription adds to the emotional depth of the monument, stating, "Souls of the dead ride to heaven on the backs of turtles." This evocative imagery symbolizes a traditional belief in Korea, reflecting a profound sense of spirituality and reverence for those who have departed.

The Cenotaph for Korean Victims serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic consequences of war and the importance of acknowledging all the victims, regardless of their background or origin.