Everybody had a very early start this morning, but we all made it to Haneda Airport and safely took our plane to Hiroshima. We arrived to see a bright and sunny morning, and a clear view of the mountains around the city. For our first activity the students had the privilege of listening to the story of an atomic bomb survivor (Hibakusha). The Otsuma girls were very respectful, and took careful notes on this powerful and educational talk. Afterwards the student representatives gave thanks on behalf of the school, and presented the speaker with flowers. After enjoying a delicious lunch and reflecting on what we’d heard, we travelled to the Peace Park and delivered Otsuma’s peace crane bouquet to the memorial site. Afterwards the girls formed a choir and sang full-heartedly for those visiting the memorial. The afternoon was spent touring the historical memorial sites around the peace park area and the famous dome, guided by an expert guide. Much of what we saw there was upsetting and difficult to see, especially the elementary school, but the girls took it in soberly, and perhaps felt thankful to live in a time of peace in Japan. We returned to our hotel at around 5pm, and after a rest we enjoyed a hearty dinner. The final activity of the day was to listen to an amazing musical and theatrical performance telling the experience of those affected by the atomic bomb. The singer’s voices were quite spectacular, and everybody was quite in awe of them. We finished this activity with a joint singing effort, and then the entire 3^rd grade performed the school song with superb skill and gusto, showing the best of Otsuma to our guests and showing our appreciation for their performance. A long day ended happily, with baths and bed, and looking forward to tomorrow.

早朝の羽田。早い時間でしたが、遅刻する生徒もなく、全員揃いました。素晴らしい！飛行機で広島へ向かいます。

メルパルクホテルでの平和講和。当時中学生だった講師の方が、被爆の体験を話してくださいました。我々には想像し難い辛い経験も、気持ちを込めて語ってくださいました。生徒は、一心不乱にメモをとりながら、ときに話し手の目を見て、真剣に話を聞いていました。「託します」の最後の一言に、皆さんは何を感じたでしょうか。

原爆の子の像の前で行った、平和セレモニー。千羽鶴と花束を捧げ、「HEIWAの鐘」を歌いました。青空に響き渡る歌声を、道行く人たち（海外の方が多かったですね）も足をとめて聴いていました。

平和記念公園周辺を、ガイドさんの案内でまわりました。原爆ドームを間近に見ながら、原爆の脅威を肌で感じました。爆心地にもっとも近い学校である本川小学校では、中の資料館の見学もしました。生徒はわかったこと、感じたことを熱心にメモしていました。

宿泊場所、広島グランドプリンスホテルにて、「被爆ピアノ」の朗読や演奏を聴きました。原爆の爆風や放射線を浴びたピアノ。傷だらけでしたが、奏でる音は力強く、美しいものでした。最後には、生徒たちによる「HEIWAの鐘」を伴奏付きで披露しました。

１日目は無事に終了です。おつかれさまでした。明日も頑張りましょう！