It was December 1941 when the combined Japanese air and naval forces surprisingly attacked the sleeping Pearl Harbor. It was less than four years later when Enola Gay dropped what was later to be the root of the world’s first nuclear strike. It was also the day we entered the Nuclear Age.

I remember watching Pearl Harbor (the 132 million-dollar budget film directed by Michael Bay) and discovering just how fearless and ruthless the Japanese were at that time. Also, I was so convinced that they were the villains in the story and having two of their cities bombed was just a reasonable enough payback. I was wrong. I didn’t exactly know what the real deal was and I was blinded by my feeble presumptions and personal bias. Little did I know, the story didn’t really have a fair ending.

The enlightenment occurred when I visited the wonderful prefecture of Hiroshima. I was looking at the city’s brochures and maps to look for amusing sights to explore. And then, there I saw the boldly printed HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM. I didn’t think twice but I just pulled my friend’s hand and off we go to a tour that would later change my entire perspective regarding the “things” that happened between U.S. and Japan during the 1940’s. It completely turned my outlook 180 degrees and what was before seemed an appealing ending to me was now a tragedy that I still cannot fully digest.

Walking through each part of the museum was unearthing saddening facts that left me dumbfounded throughout the whole tour. Every glass case contained a horrifying past; every image mirrored a haunting memory.

But what I cannot seem to forget was this huge image of a wristwatch (that stopped exactly the time the bomb exploded) and the short message printed just below it:

“A dragonfly flitted in front of me

and stopped on a fence.

I stood up, took my cap in my hands,

and was about to catch the dragonfly

when......”

It was depressing enough just reading it but it was dreadful imagining it. My eyes welled up with tears.

What’s more is that I was able to touch objects that are now surviving bits and pieces, and I was also able to view Hiroshima on the day of the atomic bombing which was just as spine-chilling. Seeing the replica of those people with their dissolved skin, those ashes, and even the imprinted shadow of a man sitting on a porch made my insides jolt. Everything was due to radiation. Everything was due to the atomic bomb.

A-Bomb Dome: A symbol of hope for World Peace

Now, it appears to me that my opening line does not really offer that much clarity in expressing its intensity. By merely describing it as “the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” just like in high school history books, cannot substantiate or give justice to the indescribable horror that actually took place. At least to me, that was the impression.

To those of you who are not familiar with what really happened more than six decades ago, let me give a few facts.

AUGUST 6, 1945 8:16 A.M.
Hiroshima City - The atomic bomb exploded directly over the Shima clinic. The temperature reached 50 million degrees centigrade and flash heat fired miles away, burning skin and vaporizing people. Approximately 80,000 people were instantly killed or severely wounded. Almost 70 percent of the buildings were destroyed. (data from the book, Enola Gay)

Just a mile away from the epicenter, the effects of radiation and tremendous heat were unbearable – skins were burned, imprints were left on the skin as well.

The after-effect was equally disastrous. Black rain poured over Hiroshima, making things become worse than it already was. The effects of radiation were terrible – diseases, scars, etc., people were left damaged forever as they were probably passed on to the next generations. Caused by the bitter history, I’ve even heard sad stories about some Japanese who are against marrying someone from Hiroshima. I strongly resent this mind-set.

AUGUST 8, 1945
Nagasaki City – A plutonium bomb, which was more powerful than the uranium one (the one used for Hiroshima), exploded just above the northwest part of the city. However, there was less damage and fewer casualties.

It was only then that I realized that Japan was not the villain after all. It was also a victim. I regret being so narrow-minded and offensive. I am seeing the whole picture now. The way I considered the war and the attacks was also not quite right. It was not supposed to be looked at as a derby fight between the two nations – that one should retaliate or get even, but as a possible means to an end. The war had to end. It just had to.

And through all of these I made myself vow to be an instrument of peace and I extend all my prayers to the victims, their families, and to each and every one of you who has a vicious war within his/her own heart. We cannot let this happen again.

Yay for world peace!

For those who want to learn more about the Hiroshima Bombing – detailed accounts of the World War II and the after-effect stories, you can these out:

Enola Gay by Gordon Thomas and Max Morgan-Witts

Black Rain by Masuji Ibuse

PEACE,

D

As the communion song comes to an end, this man stood with his back facing me. In stunned disbelief, I stared at him and subtly studied his figure from top to bottom. I realized that it was pathetically bordering on stalker-ish still I couldn’t help myself.

With his hair cut extremely short, his broad shoulders, a military dog tag hanging on his neck, his well-built body, and his confident stance, he reminded me of a man I used to know – a man I used to care about. Now, the memories just keep on coming in…

Our paths first came across in a church as well. Searching for a vacant seat, I instantly thought he was good-looking as we met each other’s eyes. He grinned adorably at me and I smiled back then giggled as I headed to an available seat next to my friend. When the mass ended, he daringly approached me and we had a little chat. Honestly, I was a bit frantic when he asked for my number, thinking if it was for real – if he was for real.

The answers came when he was right there, standing outside my dormitory, with his black motorcycle alongside. He took me to the most riveting food trips and enchanting sights. Together, we enjoyed viewing a vivid lake from the top of a mountain, tearing down the dullness of the night; lounged on an abandoned boat at the pier, merely trading sweet silence and long pleasant conversations; and watched the most extravagant fireworks display, just the two of us standing in the middle of a bridge. Needless to say, I had a blast with him. And this is why I couldn’t seem to forget him.

For a few years, he trained for the army. That made him who he is – a man of strength, determination, and order. I adored him for being so self-assured and I felt secured whenever I’m with him. Sometimes, though, he will act like an overly sensitive little kid and I would hit him for that. Growing up and being close with his mom and his sister, he was also gentle and chivalrous in some ways. I did not love it but it was cute anyway.

But what I cannot understand is how cowardly and lame he is when it comes to dealing with his emotions. He needed time and I offered space for him to mature. At that moment, I just did not have the patience to deal with it. It was effortless for me to let go but it wasn’t necessarily painless. And now, it’s clear to me, sometimes you can fully understand and appreciate the beauty and importance of a thing if you look at it from afar. Like the breathtaking lake and the fireworks, for me, he remains to be a lovely yet distant memory.

Kyoto is what some people say “the best place on Earth” and being able to stay here for almost a year was quite an unsurpassable chance and experience. As I go out of the dormitory, walking a few steps you will be greeted by a narrow river with flowers blooming on both sides and trees weeping closely to the surface of the water. In spring, the cherry-blossoms; during summer, the brightest flowers and the greenest trees; in fall, the red maple trees; and as winter comes, the snow-covered pine trees come into view. What a serene sight. More like hypnotic. From a crossroad nearby my university, just decide on a direction and you will arrive at a temple or a shrine somewhere. However, these are not just ordinary spots but are considered as “World Heritage Sites.” Yeah, wow. Also, there are 17 of them all-in-all around Kyoto. What can I say? Kyoto is the place to be when you are someone looking for relaxation and a stress-relieving trip.

Kyoto is not only known for its beautiful nature, it also carries a historical legacy as it was established as Japan’s capital under the name “Heian-kyo” in 794 A.D. It may have adopted the most advanced standards of time but until today, the impression of Kyoto as a past capital is still undaunted. As you visit ancient temples, shrines, and various museums, you will witness a unique culture and properties that are testimonials of time.

One hot summer day, I had nothing to do and just thought of dilly-dallying around the city. I walked to the nearest bus stop, got on a random city bus, and bought an ichi-nichi or one-day bus pass. As I ride along, one building caught my attention and this is the Kyoto City Archaeological Museum. I immediately got off at the bus stop in front of it, went inside and thereupon started a very interesting trip.

Traveling To The Past

The museum was opened in November 1979 and its goal is to, needless to say, make known to the people, the important archaeological remains of each period which had been discovered in excavation projects. A wide range of people are able to utilize the facilities. In fact, activities such as lectures, summer school, and training as a curator are being held there.

On the first floor, just at the entrance, is a large glass panel imprinted with a reconstructed picture of Rajomon – the main south gate. The dazzling two storied wooden structure served as the front entrance of the original Heian Capital. Also as you go left to the Current Archaeological News section, you will be informed of the Kyoto City Archaeological Research Institute’s conducted excavations in sites dating from the prehistoric age and continuing to this time. The findings are being exhibited publicly several times a year in the museum. The information section consists of personal computers and image projection equipment in order to present up-to-date information. A video library and history/archaeology quizzes can also be enjoyed.

It is said that there are approximately 700 archaeological sites in Kyoto City. Photographs are displayed to show these sites and remains. To end the first-floor tour route, you head to the Special Exhibition Section wherein displays of research excavations and investigations of buried cultural properties are shown. This corner is considered as one of the most important projects in the museum.

Going up the second floor, you will be welcomed by an island case of the different types of ceramics used in Kyoto during the Heian period. Green-glazed wares, ash-glazed wares, sue wares, Haji wares; smoked Haji wares, Ga wares and a variety of celadon and white porcelain imported from Korea and China are displayed. The 96 examples of bowls, cups, and dishes in display show the changing styles developed from the 9^th to the

12^th century.

Next to the wide case is an exhibit of a cast site. It was from somewhere around the JR Kyoto Station (the biggest station in Kyoto). From this site, a cast for a mirror, a statue of Buddha and coins were uncovered.

Just behind the case is a huge exhibit that caught my attention. It is the life-sized replica of the Initial Jomon (8,000 - 8,500 years ago) Pit House. It is said to be discovered for the first time in Kyoto. Being a capital from the Heian period, Kyoto has trade articles such as celadon (Yue, Longguan, Tongan, etc). This is an attestation that Kyoto has had foreign contacts. According to history, Japan was the last staging post of the Silk Road which was given proof by the excavated fragment of Persian glass.

Some of the objects in display are free to touch. You can freely handle the fragments of pottery like wares and roof tiles, and Sanukaite andesite which is supposedly the raw material used for making early stone implements.

The wall cases around the gallery exhibits the cultural and social history of Kyoto from the pre-earthenware period through the Edo period. They divided the exhibit into six themes, each illustrating a historical period in the development of the city. These are the: “Kyoto in the Proto-history,” “The Ancient Tomb Age,” “The Nagaoka Period,” “The New Capital in the Heian Period,” “Kamakura – Muromachi Period – The Middle Ages,” and “The Prosperity of the Momoyama Culture.”

Last Glance

I just wanna share some of my thoughts so, yeah, here are my picks for the Perezzies 2008: