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Hiroshima: Bridge to Forgiveness by Takashi Tanemori
Hiroshima: Bridge to Forgiveness tells of the journey of Takashi Tanemori, son of a Samurai, from postwar Hiroshima's ashes to new life and purpose in America. On August 6th, 1945, Takashi, then eight years old, was less than one mile from ground zero when the atomic bomb exploded, ultimately claiming his parents and two siblings. Before Takashi’s father died he asked his son to live his life as he had been taught teaching his children the lessons learned from his parents, the Code of the Samurai. Above all, Takashi should be true to himself and to live for the benefit of others. In his misery, the young boy vowed to avenge his father's death. Orphaned, Takashi was rejected in his homeland, surviving as a 'street urchin', until immigrating to the United States. There, Takashi worked in California's 'salad bowl', and suffered as a captive patient in the state's psychiatric system. A nurse cared for him, became his guardian, and sparked the young man to serve others through Christianity. Takashi worked for two decades as a spiritual guide and builder of congregations. But, unable to conquer prejudice in churches, Takashi turned to reach the hearts of Americans through their stomachs, as a restaurant entrepreneur.
An epiphany led Takashi to reject his vow of revenge and devote himself to fostering forgiveness. He set a lifetime goal of helping future generations live in Heiwa - - peace, with harmony and equality.
In 2005, sixty years after the bombing of Hiroshima, Takashi returned to his childhood home to reflect on his life’s path in light of what history has taught us, and most importantly, to reconcile a six-decade long relationship rift with his older sister.
Takashi Tanemori founded the nonprofit Silkworm Peace Institute, dedicated to international peace, and today he works to promote forgiveness and peace.
Nearly four years after the events of “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”, on August 6, 1945 an 8-year old boy found his own date of remembrance, at Hiroshima. It’s a date articulated by many as being conclusive in ending the war in the Pacific, and one that ushered in a new era of unimaginable fear, spurring one of the most unprecedented, military arms races the world has ever seen.
For the young Tanemori, and so many others, Hiroshima cannot be considered an end so much as the beginning to a long war, one of physical abnormalities, psychological disparity, and the many continuing horrors attributable to high levels of radiation exposure, which became in later years for many, a biological memory and a recurring reminder to victims that they may still have battles to be fought.
My Reflections
Turning my face to Heaven
I sense rather than see the endless blue.
Beyond the dancing leaves and soaring hawk.
Its immeasurable stillness reflects the wonder of all Creation.
Morning dew glittering in the dawn,
like precious jewels;
and twinkling stars echoing in the silent night,
like the songs of angels,
We gather the fruits of the earth,
till the barn is overflowing with bounty.
My heart fills with countless blessings--
food, shelter, clothing and friends to be encircled.
Looking back, I see how
my stumbling steps have become a path--
and how, on this lonely road
I have never been alone.
Kindness of many has been like a spring rain,
bringing new life to my heart,
as a "Blade of Grass" ever emerged
from the ashes of the Past.
I stand, amazed at my blessings,
grateful for the wonder!
Looking forward to even greater New Year
© Takashi Tanemori's Story
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