For this year’s anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, join us for another film screening of the documentary “Paper Lanterns” followed by a paper lantern workshop.

Directed by Barry Frechette and produced by Japan Society Executive Committee member Nobuko Saito Cleary, the film follows Shigeaki Mori, a Japanese historian and atomic bomb survivor, and his 35 year-long journey to find the families of 12 American prisoners of war (POW) that perished during the Hiroshima bombing.

When the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, Mori was 8 years old. But after witnessing such a devastating atrocity he made it his life’s work to memorialize all of its victims, including the American POWs. Mori had discovered that Japan’s memorials had left out these 12 names and consequently set about tracing their histories and families, and creating a new memorial for them. Mori even took a night job as a security guard to pay for it. The film remains an inspirational example of overcoming the divisions and prejudices of wartime to find peace and solidarity. It is a very personal plea for a world free of nuclear weapons, highlighting the universal power of compassion.

The film screening will be followed by a Q&A and paper lantern workshop where participants can make their own Japanese “floating lantern” with a personalized message like those used in the Japanese tourou nagashi ceremony to honor the memory of those who have come before us.  This unique program promises to be both fun and moving. Don’t miss it!

Dinner and paper lantern materials are provided. FREE for kids 12 and under.

We accept walk-ins.