Our First Day Trip to Nagasaki

So we had a free weekend to do what we wanted and since we had a set of wheels we took a leisurely drive down to Nagasaki City. And I really mean leisurely. We took the back roads and maintained an even speed of 40mph. Roads are narrow and slow around here but fortunately the gorgeous scenery makes up for it.

We went to Nagasaki to visit the Atom Bomb Museum & Peace Park.

Colin and I are big history buffs and I have always had a desire to learn more about WWII. I loved studying it in college and I still love reading books and watching documentaries on it. There is something about that war that draws me to learn more about it. Perhaps it is just the sheer magnitude of a war fought all over the globe or the atrocities that were committed. Or how it has affected the way our governments and militaries operate today. Whatever it is, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum was a must on my Japan Bucket list. 

Life size model of the "Fatman" bomb dropped on the city.

A few years ago Colin and I visited the Hoa Lo Prison or "Hanoi Hilton" as it was lovingly called by it's residents. It definitely put a different "spin" on things. Let's just say what you and I learned in 9th grade history class was not reflected in the same manner at Hoa Lo. I expected to find a similar situation at the Atomic Bomb Museum given it is just meters from where the bomb was dropped. I was actually quite surprised. Despite a few twists from what I had learned, everything was presented in fair agreement with Western opinions. Ultimately the museum strives to educate as many visitors as it can to ensure this event never happens again. That mission gives a heavy presence in the well laid out displays, films and heartbreaking photography. 

The museum begins with a clock stopped at 11:02 by the blast.

Various artifacts found in the city.

Map detailing countries with nuclear programs.

Perhaps the most difficult display was a photo of a little boy with a sleeping baby strapped to his back. He solely stands at attention fighting back tears and looking years older than his 9. As I read the summary next to the photo I learned that the baby was in fact, not sleeping. The photographer wrote how the boy allowed the relief workers to take the baby off his back and lay the body on hot coals for cremation. Having that photo at the end of the walk through really instills heavy emotions on the reader.  

After the museum we headed outside to visit the Hypocenter. It is called the hypocenter because the bomb exploded over 1,000 feet above the ground to ensure maximum damage.

Elin & I at the center of the Hypocenter.

Remains of a Catholic church found close to the hypocenter. 

The Peace Park is not far from the museum & hypocenter. It is a beautiful park on top of a hill with sculptures, fountains and gardens. Below we posed in front of the Peace Statue:

The statue's right hand points up toward the threat of nuclear weapons. The left encourages eternal peace. The right folded leg symbolizes meditation and the bent left shows he is ready to assist those in need. 

E's first experience throwing a coin into a fountain. She didn't quite get it. :)

Of course we had to get some lunch after our excursion. One thing we love here is how kid friendly the restaurants are. They always bring a high chair and child size utensils to the table for you. Sometimes even a bib. The "kids meal" is unlike anything I've seen. Something I have observed is that the Japanese value the art of presentation. Everything from coordinating their umbrellas and hand towels (more on that later) to the way they package your groceries at the markets. In this case the meal included a perfectly molded scoop of rice with a flag in it, a sausage, shrimp, a cup of corn, jello shots (non-alchoholic, duh) and a token to get a toy from the vending machine before they leave. All perfectly and neatly arranged on a bright tray. Not only do the meals cater to small and curious appetites but it keeps them busy so hungry parents can eat!

Before I close I thought I'd share a funny story. There was a family dining near us with a boy close in age to Elin. After our meals we lined up at the vending machine to retrieve the toys with the kids meal token. The little boy had already received his toy but was determined to shove his toy truck in the machine and therefore it took awhile. I inserted Elin's token to show him how the toy comes out and then scooted out. E certainly didn't care and was starting to get cranky. So we're walking back to the car when we hear people shouting and running behind us. It was our lunch mates racing to give Elin her new toy. I was so amazed that they were so intent on righting a situation, for their little boy to acknowledge the generosity of a stranger, even if he was just two years old. 

We have found this type of behavior to be very typical here. Honesty is imperative in Japanese society. It is just one of many fascinating aspects of what makes up a deeply rooted Japanese culture. Even though we only have two years here I am eager to start learning more of the language so I can get to know the locals and their customs better. I cannot think of a better way to enjoy our time here than to jump in and experience it all!

Matane,

Caitlyn