Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall For the Atomic Bomb Victims

The atomic bomb that exploded over Nagasaki at 11:02 a.m. on August 9, 1945 instantaneously reduced the city to ruins and took many precious lives.
Even the people who managed to survive were left with indelible mental and physical scars and with disorders due to radiation.
We recognize the gravity of these sacrifices and hardships and offer heartfelt tribute to the memory of the deceased.
We vow to convey the reality of the atomic bomb damages to people both in Japan and abroad, to inform future generations, to learn from history and to build a peaceful world free from nuclear weapons.

Peace Memorial Halls for the Atomic Bomb Victims are located in both Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the two cities which suffered atomic bombings. They were built in order to impress upon people the preciousness of the sacrifices made by those who died after exposure to the bombings, and to commemorate everlasting peace. They were established according to the provisions of Law 41 for the medical care of atomic bomb survivors.Functions

The main functions of the Memorial Halls are to provide places to pray for those who died after exposure to the atomic bombings, and to encourage people to contemplate peace. They also maintain archives of materials on the atomic bombings and radiation illnesses, and serve as centers of international cooperation and exchange. The two halls work in cooperation, with Nagasaki placing emphasis on international cooperation and Hiroshima on the collecting of archive materials.
Building description

A reinforced concrete building consisting of two underground levels
Size	Total site area	15,391.530㎡
	Building area	50.490㎡
	Total floor area	2,999.580㎡
Areas for each level	Ground Level	50.497㎡
	Level 1	707.124㎡
	Level 2	2,241.96㎡

Ground level: Basin	Carved Inscription, Illuminated Glass
Level 1	Memoir Exhibition Corner, Remembrance Hall Loft, Diary Preservation Room, Research Room
Level 2	Remembrance Hall, Remembrance Hall Anteroom, Library, Lounge, Peace Information Corners, Information, Meeting Room, Conference Room, Administration Office

May 1990	The Investigative Report on Facts Regarding the Atomic Bomb Victims (A Study of the Deceased), which was initiated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 1985, is made public. The government then begins talks on measures that can be taken to mourn those who were killed by the atomic bombs.

May 1991	The Committee for Basic Planning of the Memorial Facilities for the Atomic Bomb Victims (headed by Chairman Mori) is established.

June 1993	The findings of the Committee for Basic Planning of the Memorial Facilities for Atomic Bomb Victims are released. Included are the outlines of the fundamental concepts for such facilities, details on concrete measures to be taken, discussion of the locations for such facilities, and information on methods of operation and administration.

December 1994	The enactment of the Atomic Bombing Survivors’ Law which begins with a preamble calling for eternal peace and recognition of the preciousness of the sacrifice made by the atomic bomb victims. Article 41 stipulates that projects for the commemoration of peace be instituted. In voting on the proposal for the law, the Lower House issues a secondary resolution stating that “Plans are to proceed to establish a memorial facility for victims of the atomic bombing at the earliest possible date, and efforts will be made to ensure that this facility is one which will be in keeping with the feelings of the atomic bombing survivors and the relatives of those who lost their lives.”

January 1995	In the Report on Basic Plans for Facilities Memorializing the Atomic Bombing Deceased, the function, composition and operation of such facilities are discussed.

November 1995	The Preparatory Committee for the Opening of the Peace Memorial Halls for the Atomic Bomb Victims is established (under Chairman Mori).

April 1996	An Investigative Committee for Construction Difficulties with the Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims (the local board is headed by Chairman Tsuchiyama) is established for Nagasaki City.

February 1997	Nagasaki City’s Requests Regarding the Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims is submitted to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Included are requests that the names of the atomic bombing victims be registered and that all operating expenses be covered by the national government.

June 1997	The Preparatory Committee for the Opening of the Peace Memorial Halls for the Atomic Bomb Victims issue a report on “points to be heeded in the fundamental plans for the Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bombing Victims (Nagasaki)”.

September 1998	The final report of the Preparatory Committee for the Peace Memorial Halls for the Atomic Bomb Victims is issued. Included are a draft of the hall’s inscription message, concrete details on displays, and descriptions of operational methods.

November 2000	Construction begins on the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.

December 2002	Construction is completed on the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.

May 2003	The 1st Investigative Study Group of Plans for the Management of the Peace Memorial Halls for the Atomic Bombing Victims is established (headed by Chairman Mori).

July 2003	The Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims opens.