[Report] Hiroshima Study Tour for UC Students
Hiroshi Toya, Professor, Faculty of International Studies
During the 2024 Fall Semester, a Hiroshima Study Tour was conducted from October 30 to November 2, spanning four days, with students from various campuses of the University of California (UC) currently studying abroad at the Faculty of International Studies, Meiji Gakuin University (hereafter referred to as “UC students”). Below is an outline of the tour.
Day 1: October 30
The group gathered at Shin-Yokohama Station early in the morning and headed straight to Hiroshima. Since the reserved Shinkansen car was dedicated to our group, students could make themselves comfortable by rearranging their seats to face each other. Upon arriving in Hiroshima, the group took taxis to their hotel to check in and settle their belongings. The hotel was conveniently located close to both the Peace Memorial Park and the downtown dining area.
The first destination in Hiroshima was the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The museum, which garnered significant attention during the G7 Summit last year, remains unparalleled in its presentation and impact. The exhibits left a lasting impression on the UC students. However, being the school excursion season, the museum was particularly crowded, especially in the earlier exhibit sections, to the point that it resembled Tokyo’s rush hour trains. As a result, students may not have had the freedom to fully explore the exhibits at their own pace. Afterward, smaller groups were guided through the Peace Memorial Park by local tour guides, who provided detailed explanations about the history and significance of various monuments. For dinner, the group enjoyed Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. While the taste was excellent, it would have been even more memorable to witness the preparation process, as the okonomiyaki was pre-cooked due to the group size.
Day 2: October 31
The morning began with a lecture on Korean A-bomb survivors, providing students with new insights into the diverse experiences of those affected by the bombing. In the afternoon, the group traveled by train and ferry to Miyajima Island. The iconic Great Torii Gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Japan, left a strong impression on the UC students. Some explored souvenir shops, while others tried local specialties such as oysters and Momiji Manju. Many students also enjoyed walking through the historic streets and visiting Itsukushima Shrine. The half-day passed quickly amidst these enriching activities.
Day 3: November 1
This day involved a longer journey. The group departed the hotel at 6:30 a.m. and headed to Ōkunoshima, an island where the Japanese military produced poison gas during World War II. The tour was guided by Mr. Yamauchi, a storyteller who led the group around the island. Unfortunately, rain began to fall shortly after the tour started, eventually turning into a heavy downpour. Unfortunately, we were unable to stop and listen at some of the locations. Still the remnants of warehouses and factories left a profound impact, conveying a solemnity that only authentic historical sites can provide. It is my hope that the UC students grasped the importance and significance of what they witnessed.
Day 4: November 2
On the final day, the group visited the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, where they had the honor of hearing a deeply moving testimony from Ms. Yahata, a survivor of the bombing. The students’ thoughtful questions reflected their deep engagement with her story, highlighting the value of hearing such testimonies firsthand. Lastly, the group visited Fukuromachi Elementary School, where messages searching for family members were written shortly after the bombing. The four-day study tour concluded on this poignant note.
The return journey was unexpectedly prolonged due to heavy rainfall in Shizuoka and Kanagawa, which delayed the Shinkansen by nearly two hours. The group had to temporarily wait near Gifu-Hashima Station, adding an unplanned “extra” to the tour.
