About the hall
Establishment
The Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims was established for the purpose of preserving as a nation memories of the precious sacrifices of the victims of the atomic bombings. In addition to serving as a memorial, it also serves to commemorate everlasting peace. The hall seeks to deepen understanding about the catastrophe of the atomic bombings among people around the world and see that knowledge of these terrible experiences is passed down to subsequent generations.
Functions
National Peace Memorial Halls for the Atomic Bomb Victims have been established in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, two cities where vast numbers of precious lives were lost due to atomic bombings. The halls perform the following three functions; to memorialize peace and mourn the victims of the bombings, to gather and process materials and information related to radiation exposure, and to promote international cooperation and interaction. At the Nagasaki Memorial Hall particular emphasis is put on the latter of these functions. By sending out information about radiation exposure and the experiences of bombing victims and their relatives to the world, the hall endeavors to communicate the reality of the atomic bombings.
Main functions
A place of commemoration and prayer
The Memorial Hall hosts services aimed at increasing awareness about peace and activities commemorating the victims of the atomic bombing.
- Enshrinement of the list of names of atomic bombing victims
- Read testimonies and memoirs
- Displays of photographs of the deceased and testimonies by the victims / assistance with writing testimonies
- Collecting testimonial materials of atomic bombing experiences
- Assistance with writing about atomic bombing experiences
- Holding peace memorial services in the Remembrance Hall
Collecting and disseminating information and archival materials about the atomic bombing
We gather materials relating to the atomic bombing out of a desire to pass on the experiences of the victims to future generations, heighten awareness about the importance of peace, and deepen international understanding.
- Special exhibitions
- Atomic bombing survivors’ testimonial videos
- The translation into multiple languages of memoirs, written records of atomic bombing experiences, books, testimonial videos etc.
- English translation of Records of the Nagasaki Atomic Bombing and Wartime Damage
Providing medical information about radiation illnesses and engaging in international exchange
We engage in international cooperation and exchange in order to increase awareness about the experiences of the atomic bombings and the preciousness of peace.
- Hiroshima Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Exhibition
- Peacenet
- The Nagasaki International Film Forum
- The Asian Youth Peace Network Program
- Foreign Language Training Courses for Peace Volunteers
- The Health Lectures for Atomic Bombing Survivors
Outline of the facility
The Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall aims to create a tranquil and solemn atmosphere which expresses a sense of mourning for the atomic bombing victims and commemorates everlasting peace. At ground level is a sculpted basin filled with the water so desperately craved by victims of the bombing. The quiet walk around this basin is intended to give visitors an appropriate sense of solemnity before entering the hall. Corridors of light rise up through the basin from the Remembrance Hall below , making it possible for people to pay their respects at ground level as well. Respects may also be paid at night, when the basin is illuminated by approximately 70,000 lights.
Lower Level 2 is the site of the Remembrance Hall, the Library/Reference Area (where visitors may access photographs and information on the deceased and peruse their memoirs), the Lounge (the focal point for the Nagasaki Hall’s efforts at international cooperation and interaction), and the Peace Information Corners. Lower Level 1, with its Memoir Exhibition Corner and Remembrance Hall Loft, was designed so that it can be toured in a limited amount of time. The two levels are linked to allow for easy passage between them.
Proprietor: | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) |
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Ordering party: | Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) |
Designers: | A. Kuryu Architect & Associates Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) |
Supervising bodies: | Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Kyushu Regional Development Bureau, Nagasaki Government Buildings Office A. Kuryu Architect & Associates Co., Ltd. |
Chronological history
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. |
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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. |