Konko Talk #25 Hiroshima, Faith, and Peace: A Conversation with Rev. Arei Shirakami*

00:00 Introduction to Konko Talk and Hiroshima's Significance00:54 Personal Connection to Hiroshima's Atomic Bomb Experience03:33 Arie Shirakami's Family History and Experiences07:02 Survivor Stories: The Impact of the Atomic Bomb11:53 The Aftermath: Casualties and Long-term Effects13:17 The Role of Youth During the War20:12 Lessons from the Past: The Importance of Remembrance23:37 The Future of Hibakusha Stories and Peace Education25:00 Reflections on Hiroshima and Nagasaki26:29 Experiences at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park28:43 The Transformation of Hiroshima's Landscape29:51 The Impact of the Atomic Bomb on Lives32:11 Memories of the Past: The River and Its Stories34:07 The Discrimination Against Hibakusha38:41 The Hidden Stories of American Victims41:59 Continuing the Legacy of Peace45:35 The Importance of Sharing Memories49:57 Promoting Global Peace and Understanding📖 SummaryIn this powerful episode of Konko Talk, Rev. Koichi Konko, and Rev. Edna welcome Rev. Arei Shirakami from the Konko Church of Rijō in Hiroshima. As a second-generation hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor descendant), Rev. Shirakami shares deeply personal reflections rooted in her family history.Her grandfather, Rev. Morimaro Kubota, former head minister of Konko Church of Rijō, miraculously survived the Hiroshima atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, despite being only 800 meters from the hypocenter. Through her grandfather’s handwritten accounts and her own experiences, Rev. Shirakami discusses the horrors of that day, the long-term effects on survivors, and the enduring responsibility to preserve these stories.The conversation touches on:* Survivor testimonies and the devastating aftermath of Hiroshima.* The role of children and youth during wartime, many of whom perished.* Discrimination faced by hibakusha and their descendants.* The importance of peace education and remembering the past to prevent repetition.* Rev. Shirakami’s volunteer work at Hiroshima Peace Memorial, ensuring that cenotaphs and memorial stones “speak” through guides who share their stories.* Broader reflections on nuclear testing, global peace, and the Konkokyo teaching that “All people are children of Kami.”As the world marks 80 years since the end of WWII, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of remembrance, prayer, and working together for peace.Konko Talkhttps://anchor.fm/koichi-konkoSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/42I6y7UNEeIL9Q908XpMciGoogle Podcastshttps://www.google.com/podcastsfeed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80Njg5NWRmMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==Breakerhttps://www.breaker.audio/konko-talkPocket Casthttps://pca.st/z6s2a3apRadio Publichttps://radiopublic.com/konko-talk-G145rMhttps://anchor.fm/koichi-konko/episodes/Konko-Talk-11-Food-e1j8cdcKonko Mission of Honolulu1728 Liliha Street, Honolulu, HI 96817Open Everyday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.Morning Prayer Session at 5:30 a.m. (Japanese)Morning Prayer Session at 7:30 a.m. (English)Evening Prayer Session at 7:30 p.m. (Japanese) Sunday Service at 9:00 a.m. (English)Homepagehttp://konkomissionshawaii.org/honolulu.htmFacebook https://www.facebook.com/Ikigami.Konko.DaijinYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLHLi5IOOq3w7QLcyhCTezgKonko Mission of Wahiawa207 Muliwai Avenue, Wahiawa, HI 96786Phone: (808) 621-6667 (Urgent prayer requests also accepted)Prayer Requests via text: Rev. Edna Matsuoka (808) 223-3448E-mail: ⁠konkowahiawa207@gmail.com⁠Homepagehttps://www.konkowahiawa.org/homeWe are open daily from 6:00 am to 8:00 pmYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ5p5fDuZyH25i_Prth1K8A/featuredFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/konkomissionofwahiawaInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/konkowahiawa/ Konkokyo Videos: Introduction to Konkokyohttps://youtu.be/xytgSgfnwms音楽： フリーBGM・音楽素材MusMushttps://musmus.main.jp/