Pass the Baton: Commemorating 80 Years Since the End of WWII

(Registrations for this event are full, but might be worth checking with the organiser https://www.japanclubofsydney.org/english/)

80 years on: A living witness to history

This year marks 80 years since the end of WWII. To honour this milestone, we are deeply privileged to welcome Keiko Ogura, a Hiroshima survivor (hibakusha), to Sydney. At just 8 years old, Keiko lived through the atomic bombing—today, she carries forward the memory, not as history, but as a call for peace.

This is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from someone who endured the unimaginable. Her powerful testimony reminds us of the human cost of war and the hope that still survives. A live Q&A will follow her speech.

💬 Event Highlights

• Testimony by Keiko Ogura
  One of the few survivors who shares her story in English, Keiko will recount the moment the bomb hit Hiroshima, its aftermath, and the enduring consequences.A Q&A session will follow.
• Reading Performance: The Face of Jizo『父と暮せば』
  An excerpt from the iconic Japanese play exploring grief and survivor’s guilt in post-war Hiroshima.While portraying the devastation of the atomic bomb and the survivors’ emotional burden, the piece also honours the wishes and voices of those who were lost
• Learn about Hiroshima and Nagasaki  (optional)
  A panel exhibition exploring the reality of the atomic bombings, including their effects on health, society, and the lives of survivors.

• Screening ofHiroshima Mother’s Prayer (optional)
  A 30-minute documentary, featuring footage captured immediately after the atomic blast. The film presents a mother’s perspective on the horrors of war and advocates for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the pursuit of world peace.
• Origami Activity: Folding Paper Cranes (optional)
  Join us in folding paper cranes, a traditional symbol of peace and hope. The cranes will be offered to the “Children’s Peace Monument” at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, expressing the wishes of people worldwide for a peaceful future.

Why this event matters

In an era of rising conflict, this event serves as both history and healing. In Australia, where few have access to this perspective, this is a moment for collective remembrance—and a gift to future generations.

It’s also a bridge. Between Japanese and Australian communities. Between past and present. Between knowledge and empathy.

We’re honoured to host this gathering in The Auditorium of the NSW Teachers Federation, whose generous support as our venue sponsor helps make this event possible.

🤝 About the Organiser

The Japan Club of Sydney (JCS) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led organisation founded in 1983. With over 350 member households, JCS is dedicated to preserving Japanese culture, promoting peace, and contributing to a more connected multicultural society in Australia.