Journey to Hiroshima
On the morning of Monday, August 28, Ceci, Edith, César, and I boarded a Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station bound for Hiroshima. The long-awaited day had finally arrived.
In my backpack I carried the paper cranes: those folded by Janis’s 5th-grade students, the cranes I received directly from fellow Local Guides Mexico, and the ones sent to me by mail—including the cranes from Santi and Giuliana of the #TeamChapulines in Oaxaca.
[Read the first part of this story]
First impressions: the A-Bomb Dome
After arriving in Hiroshima, we took some time to visit the hypocenter, the very spot directly beneath where the bomb exploded at an altitude of 600 meters. It is impossible to avoid feeling a shiver run through your body when you stand in this space.
The Hypocenter of A-Bomb
We then continued walking, and just a few steps later, the corner of a building allowed us to glimpse the structure of the A-Bomb Dome between the trees of the park. It was a very calm and sunny morning, and the temperature was rising quickly, even though it was only 8:30 a.m.
We dedicated a few moments to walking around this iconic structure. For my friends, this was the very first time they had seen it with their own eyes, trying to understand how part of its walls and steel beams had managed to remain standing.
Students with cranes
At that very moment, something special happened: a group of Japanese students in white-and-navy uniforms walked by, carrying strings of colorful paper cranes.
They were heading to the same place as us. I felt an overwhelming emotion, realizing that we were sharing the same purpose on that day. I only managed to take a quick, slightly unfocused photo, but it was enough to capture the memory of their presence.
Preparing to go live
The plan for that day was to do a live broadcast through the Local Guides Mexico Instagram account, so that our friends in Mexico could join us for the moment. For that reason, I walked ahead toward the monument while Ceci, Edith, and César read the plaques and took more photos of the first site.
We divided the tasks: Edith would handle my phone for the live broadcast, Ceci would help me place the cranes, and César would take additional photos as backup.
I must confess I was nervous—I don’t usually do live broadcasts, nor had I prepared a script. I simply wanted to share my emotions as they came, even though it was impossible to keep my feelings from taking over.
A technical glitch
I began the transmission with a message explaining the reason we were visiting this particular monument, and how many Local Guides had joined the initiative. I also spoke about the significance of being there just days before the 80th anniversary of this tragic event.
Suddenly, my phone overheated due to the summer heat and shut down completely—the livestream ended, and I had no way to let the viewers know what had happened.
But nothing was lost. My friends immediately offered solutions, even though I was visibly flustered, haha. Edith quickly suggested: “We can record everything with my phone, and you can upload it later even if it’s not live.” That solution felt perfect, so we started over.
Offering the cranes
While Edith recorded, Ceci and I placed the cranes beneath the dome, along with a couple of cards carrying our messages of peace and prayers for the victims. César took additional photos.
The monument is normally surrounded by open glass cases where the cranes are displayed, but for the video we wanted to place them directly under the dome first, and then ring the peace bell in memory of all who suffered.
Afterwards, we moved the cranes into one of the display cases so that they would remain protected, along with the cards. We then walked around to see the other cases, filled with countless cranes sent from around the world.
The caption on the card reads: “A wish for peace, from Mexico, with respect and hope. Local Guides Mexico 2025 – Hiroshima”
Reflections of peace
What we felt after completing this offering was a deep sense of peace and tranquility. The entire park transmits this atmosphere—it’s almost as if serenity itself lives there.
As we walked, we commented on how this space reflects the way a nation chooses to face such a devastating tragedy. There is no sense of anguish, nor resentment. Instead, you encounter respect, solidarity, and dignity.
What stands out most is the way Japan transformed this place into a lesson for humanity: the park does not dwell on the horror, but rather inspires visitors with the conviction that we can move forward, learning from the past to build a more peaceful future.
A small token of gratitude
Before leaving the park, we stopped at a small souvenir shop just a few steps away. There, I found a modest but meaningful gift that represents Hiroshima.
I will take it back as a gesture of gratitude for Janis’s students in Mexico City, who so enthusiastically joined this initiative.
Perhaps this small gift will serve as a seed planted in each of them—a reminder of universal values of respect and peace among nations. I like to imagine that one day, when they grow older, some of them may visit this place themselves and pay their respects in person.
The caption on the card reads:
“With these paper cranes, we send a message of peace from Mexico to Hiroshima. We are fifth-grade students from the Escuela Primaria Petróleos Mexicanos in Mexico City. These cranes are a symbol of our respect, solidarity, and hope for a world without wars. We honor the memory of Sadako Sasaki and all the children who dream of a future filled with peace.
With love,
The fifth-grade boys and girls
Escuela Primaria Petróleos Mexicanos
Mexico City”
Closing thoughts
Once again, my gratitude goes to all the Local Guides, family members, and friends who joined this simple yet meaningful initiative. And to you, for taking the time to read this story in two parts.
Let’s continue to create positive ideas that inspire change and touch the emotions of those around us.
I say goodbye from Mexico City, sending a heartfelt embrace to each of you, wherever in the world you may be.
Tip for fellow Local Guides: If you visit Hiroshima, take time not only to see the Children’s Peace Monument but to walk slowly through the entire Peace Memorial Park. It is not just a historical site—it is a space that will move you deeply and stay with you forever.
Me encantó lo de las grullas mexicanas en Hiroshima. Es bonito ver cómo la paz y la solidaridad llegan a lugares como ese 
. Las grullas de papel son super simbólicas 
