The Children's Peace Monument was inspired by a 12 year old girl who died of leukaemia 10 years after the atomic blast. She folded paper cranes, a symbol of long life, in hopes that she would get better. The park now receives nearly 10 million paper cranes annually in the name of world peace. There are numerous colourful paper cranes that can be seen hanging by the memorial.

This beautiful monument and the displays of paper cranes on display in the adjacent space is both moving and humbling. The paper cranes are sent from children all over the world as a symbol of peace and hope. Truly beautiful.

As a 2 year old child Sadako Sasaki was exposed to bomb radiation. 10 years later she was hospitalized with leukaemia and died after 8 months in hospital. All the while she folded paper cranes with the hopes of getting well. To this day children still fold cranes for her and other child victims of war. You can see massive strings in booths near the monument. You don’t need children of your own to empathize. When we start as babies, babies are pure and untainted. Young children are full of joy and wonder with unlimited potential and unconditional love. It’s sad when such wonder is cut short. Really try to enjoy all those moments for time goes by quickly. This monument remains me of how grateful I should be and how fragile life is.