Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) has hosted a continuously burning flame since 1964, meant to stay lit until every nuclear weapon on Earth is gone. Children worldwide send 10 million paper cranes each year, inspired by Sadako Sasaki, who was 2 when the bomb fell and folded cranes hoping to recover from radiation-induced leukemia — a wish she didn't live to make at age 12.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) flame has burned since 1964; 10 million paper cranes arrive yearly
Key facts
- The peace flame has burned continuously since 1964, lit in hope of a world without nuclear weapons
- The flame will not be extinguished until every nuclear weapon on Earth is gone
- The peace bell was built in 1964 and visitors can ring it without ceremony
- 10 million paper cranes arrive at the park every year from children worldwide
- The crane tradition follows Sadako Sasaki, a 2-year-old who survived the blast, was diagnosed with radiation-induced leukemia at 12, and folded cranes toward a wish she did not live to make
- Sadako's classmates folded the remaining cranes after her death
- Unclaimed ashes of bombing victims are still being held by the city after 80 years
Site mentioned
📍 Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)🌍 Show on the globe
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