Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Prior to the Hiroshima Bombing, the Hiroshima Atomic
Bomb Dome was known as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial
Promotion Hall. For some time after the bombing it was believed that
the Hiroshima Peace Memorial was ground zero, however later
detailed calculations found that it was 150m away. The concept of
ground zero is a bit of misnomer as the atomic bomb exploded (as
planned) approximately 600m (2000 feet) above the city.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Picture (above): One of the rarely seen angles of the
Hiroshima Peace Memorial. There are key points of interest here;
the rubble that has been left around the Hiroshima Peace Memorial
and the preservative beams that can be seen through the windows.
There has been at least two sets of preservation works on the
Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Additional protection has been provided
in the form of capping on the top of the walls. Preservation of the
Hiroshima Peace Memorial over time will become more complicated as
the building materials have been exposed to weather where they
wouldn't normally have been exposed and the materials like concrete
and mortar would have degraded by the
Hiroshima bombing.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Picture (above): Is this a disturbing or strange
concept for a picture?
I know people like to have their picture taken in front of famous
landmarks, but I just found this to be a little disturbing. Here a
school group were having their picture taken in front of a great
symbol that represents tragedy, war, death, loss, pain and sorrow.
These people were not alone in having their picture taken in front
of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, it seemed disrespectful to me as
there are still people alive today that lived through or had family
that died in the Hiroshima bombing.
It did however remind me of the similarity to a Shinto Shrine,
although the related event is normally further in the past.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Pictures
Here are some additional pictures of the Hiroshima
Atomic Bomb Dome. Clicking on the thumbnail will allow you to view a
larger version. From there you can view very high resolution
versions.
