November 8, 2006
Local Visit (Day 4)
First program of the day was a lecture on Japan's experience of Atomic Bomb and Hiroshima's Devotion to World Peace given by Mr. Nobuyuki TESHIMA, Director of International Peace Promotion Department, Hiroshima City Office.
The participants were surprised to peaceful approach of Hiroshima Citizens despite such destruction and misery. But, as the participant from Vanuatu commented, because of their peaceful commitment to World Peace, we are in deed able to be here today at this place.
The lecture was held at International Conference Center located within the Peace Memorial Park and afterwards we walked around the park recalling the explanation we just heard now.
The walk in the fresh air made us hungry so we decided to try the most famous dish of Hiroshima, Okonomiyaki. We cooked it on the hot iron plate right in front of us. Okonomiyaki with a lot of mayonnaise and sauce on top was really tasty.
In the afternoon, we visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn more about the Hiroshima's experience of the atomic bomb in 1945. The last program of the day was to hear direct message from a survivor of Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Blast.
Mr. Ueno, chairperson of Planning Committee had to leave Hiroshima this evening. We went back to JICA Hiroshima and flew back to Tokyo next morning.
The local visit in Hiroshima Prefecture taught us many things and we thank to everyone we met in Hiroshima. We will never forget you.
