An 84-year-old resident of Nagasaki continues to plant and cultivate "Hiroshima Peace Rice," a variety of rice originating from seedlings that survived the atomic bomb. This practice is part of a broader effort to remember and honour the victims of the World War II bombings. The man diligently maintains the crop year on year, keeping alive a testament of resilience and life amidst adversity.
In Japan, the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are significant historical events that have shaped the country's post-war pacifism. Acts like cultivating the "Hiroshima Peace Rice" are seen as a living tribute to the victims and a reminder of the horrors of war. These gestures are deeply respected and valued, emphasizing peace, resilience, and remembrance.
In the USA, similar incidents, like the 9/11 attacks, have led to various forms of tributes like memorial ceremonies and sites. The EU has also memorialized events like the Holocaust with museums and commemoration days. However, cultivating a crop directly related to a tragic event is a unique way of commemorating it, as seen in Japan.