Joe M O'Brien

A young child is dragged away from the memorial at the "Hypocenter" by her mother where on 6th August 1945 at 8:15 am Japan time, an American B-29 bomber plane called "Enola Gay" dropped the atomic bomb "Little Boy." The bomb exploded approximately 600 metres directly above. Over the next two to four months, the acute effects of the atomic bombings killed between 90,000 and 146,000 people.

The Shima Hospital, built in 1933 was situated on this site at the time of the bombing. The building was destroyed and approximately 80 patients, nurses and others lost their lives. Hiroshima, Japan. December 2019.

Statues, representing Jizo Bosatsu (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva), the protector of travellers, but also children who have died young or during childbirth. Jizo guards and escorts the souls of the children into the afterlife, protecting them from any harm along their journey. The handmade warm hats on the statues act as offerings to the Jizo, as a way of asking them to protect the souls of their children both alive and deceased. Nagasaki, Japan. December 2019.

The "One Legged Torii" of the Sanno Shrine (Sanno Jinja, Mountain King Shrine), 800 metres south-east of the atomic bomb "Hypocenter." On the 9th August 1945 at 11:02 am Japan time an atomic bomb named "Fat Man," dropped by an American B-29 bomber "Bockscar" exploded approximately 500 metres above the Hypocenter. One support column was knocked down, and is located close by. 

Over the next two to four months, the acute effects of the atomic bombings killed between 39,000 and 80,000 people. Nagasaki, Japan. December 2019.

A young child, "Akito" who had been praying with his Grandmother holds a water ladle at a Shinto Shrine in Kyoto, Japan. Water basins, called Chozubachi are used by worshippers for washing their left hands, right hands, mouth and the handle of the water ladle to purify themselves before approaching the Shinto shrine (shaden). Kyoto, Japan. 31st December 2019.

A young child walks with their parent through the "Peace Park" and past a Hiroshima memorial. 

On 6th August 1945 at 8:15 am Japanese time, an American B-29 bomber plane called "Enola Gay" dropped the atomic bomb "Little Boy." The bomb exploded approximately 600 metres directly above the "Hypocenter" located metres away at the Shima Hospital. 

Over the next two to four months, the acute effects of the atomic bombings killed between 90,000 and 146,000 people. Hiroshima, Japan, December 2019.