Cenotaph for A-Bomb Victims

Overview

The Memorial Cenotaph is the emotional heart of Peace Memorial Park — a saddle-shaped arch designed by Kenzo Tange that shelters a stone chest containing the names of all known atomic bomb victims, now numbering over 330,000.

Highlights

• Framed View: Standing behind the cenotaph, you see the Peace Flame and Atomic Bomb Dome perfectly aligned through the arch — one of the most powerful compositions in memorial architecture.
• Peace Flame: The eternal flame directly in front of the cenotaph has burned continuously since 1964 and will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons are eliminated.
• Name Registry: The stone chest is opened annually on August 6 to add newly confirmed victims.

History

Designed by architect Kenzo Tange and unveiled in 1952, the arch shape references ancient Japanese clay burial figures (haniwa). The inscription reads: "Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil."

Visitor Tips

• August 6 Ceremony: The annual Peace Memorial Ceremony held here draws tens of thousands of people.
• Quiet Reflection: Visit early morning for contemplative solitude.
• Duration: 10–20 minutes.