Mons, Belgium — May 10, 2025 — The University of Mons (UMONS) has officially inaugurated Hibakusha Park on its Plaine de Nimy campus, marking a significant step in its commitment to peace, remembrance, and nuclear disarmament. The event brought together students, faculty, peace activists, and members of the public to reflect on the legacy of nuclear warfare and to reaffirm a collective commitment to a more peaceful future. Among the attendees were three members of LKGCB, who participated alongside representatives from the Leuven Peace Movement, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the occasion.
Hibakusha Park is named in honor of the survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—known in Japanese as hibakusha. The park serves as a living memorial and a space for education, remembrance, and dialogue. University officials described it as a place for “intergenerational transmission, civic awareness, and reflection,” emphasizing its role in fostering a culture of peace and critical thinking among future generations.
The park’s recent redesign was undertaken by architecture students from UMONS as part of their academic curriculum. Their work brought a fresh and thoughtful perspective to the space, focusing on creating a tranquil and contemplative environment. The new layout incorporates natural elements, open spaces, and symbolic design features intended to encourage visitors to pause, reflect, and engage with the park’s deeper message. The project not only provided students with hands-on experience but also allowed them to contribute meaningfully to a cause of global importance.
The inauguration ceremony was rich with symbolic and artistic elements. Thierry Delforge delivered a moving reading of excerpts from Poems of the Atomic Bomb (1951) by Japanese poet Toge Sankichi, himself a Hiroshima survivor. His words, filled with sorrow and resilience, were brought to life in a deeply emotional performance. Complementing the readings, choreographer Bud Blumenthal presented a series of interpretive dance pieces inspired by the poems, adding a powerful visual and emotional layer to the event.
One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony was the burial of a time capsule within the park grounds. The capsule, designed to endure the passage of time, contains letters from students and faculty, photographs, and artifacts related to the history of nuclear disarmament. It was sealed with a special silicone compound to ensure its preservation and buried in a marked location within the park. A commemorative plaque now stands at the site, detailing the capsule’s contents and the significance of the act. The time capsule serves as both a message to future generations and a symbol of hope for a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons.
The ceremony also featured a musical performance by four talented artists whose compositions echoed the themes of peace, remembrance, and unity. Their music resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the emotional impact of the event and underscoring the universal language of art in promoting understanding and healing.
As the world approaches the 80th anniversaries of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings in August 2025, the inauguration of Hibakusha Park stands as a timely and meaningful reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. It also serves as a call to action—encouraging individuals and communities to engage in dialogue, education, and advocacy for a more peaceful and just world.
Through this initiative, UMONS and its partner organizations hope to inspire ongoing reflection and commitment to peace, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to shape a better future.