The statue depicts Sadako Sasaki reaching toward the sky with a gold-folded paper crane.
The interior of the pedestal contains a time capsule that holds a book listing the names of children who died from the bombing.
The monument is surrounded by glass cases that protect thousands of fresh paper cranes sent by schools and organizations annually.
The inscription at the base reads, 'This is our cry, this is our prayer, peace in the world.'
The statue was designed by sculptors Kazuo Kikuchi and Kiyoshi Ikebe.
The bronze crane hanging under the arch was designed by sculptor Hideki Yukawa.
School children across Japan started the fundraising movement, believing that the victims of the bomb should have a place of remembrance.
The Children's Peace Monument is a bronze statue located in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to the child victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. The monument features a girl standing atop a mountain, holding a wire crane above her head, symbolizing the aspiration for world peace. It was inspired by Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died of leukemia caused by radiation exposure after attempting to fold 1,000 paper cranes. The structure was unveiled on May 5, 1955, and was funded by a nationwide fundraising campaign by Japanese school children. Beneath the main bronze sculpture hangs a golden crane bell, designed as a wind chime that rings during peace ceremonies. The base of the monument is adorned with thousands of colorful paper cranes sent by children from across the globe. It serves as a focal point for annual ceremonies held on Peace Memorial Day.
From the front, capturing the bronze statue against the backdrop of the park's greenery.
Bring your own paper cranes to leave in the surrounding display cases as a gesture of peace.
Visit during the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 6th to witness the international tribute.
Walk slowly around the monument to observe the diverse, handmade cranes contributed by visitors from different countries.
Treating the site as a standard sightseeing photo backdrop without acknowledging its commemorative nature; avoid loud behavior.
Maintain a quiet, respectful volume as this is a memorial site; refrain from touching the delicate paper crane displays.
