Peace Bells, Hiroshima

Within the serene grounds of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, three peace bells stand as resonant symbols of hope, unity, and a shared desire for a world free from war. Among them, the best-known is the Peace Bell.

Cast in 1964, the large Japanese-style bell is housed beneath a small, open-sided structure. Visitors are invited to strike it, allowing its deep, lingering sound to echo across the park. Ringing the bell is both an act of remembrance for the victims of the atomic bombing and an expression of commitment to a future free from conflict, violence, and nuclear weapons.

Designed by the distinguished bell maker Masahiko Katori, its surface features a map of the world without national borders. This design emphasizes the unity and interconnectedness of humanity, as well as the need for international cooperation and mutual understanding. At the point where the bell is struck is an atomic symbol, representing the determination to abolish nuclear weapons.

The bell also carries the inscription “Know yourself,” written in Greek, Japanese, and Sanskrit. Traditionally associated with ancient Greek philosophy and often linked to Socrates, this enduring message calls for self-knowledge, reflection, and personal responsibility. It suggests that understanding ourselves, our motives, and the consequences of our actions is essential to preventing conflict and building a more peaceful world.