Park • 13-13 Honmachi, Kure, Hiroshima 737-0032, Japan
Teranishi Park, located in the center of Kure City, is a lush green park surrounded by abundant trees. However, in this park stands a statue of a bodhisattva praying for peace. This statue was erected in July 1945 during the World War II, when Kure City was subjected to air raids with incendiary bombs, to memorialize the approximately 2,000 ordinary citizens who lost their lives.
In Teranishi Park, the dense shade of large acorn and ginkgo trees creates a pleasant space, and the chirping of birds adds to the peaceful atmosphere. The park also has relatively new playground equipment, making it popular with families. However, the bodhisattva statue standing in a corner of the park tells the sad history of this place.
When passing in front of the bodhisattva statue, one is compelled to join hands in reverence for its dignity, reminding us not to let the tragedy of war fade away. While we enjoy a peaceful and tranquil daily life, it is built on the sacrifices of the past. Teranishi Park, while being grateful for the blessings of nature, is also an important place to pass on the memories of war to the next generation.