Sadako Sasaki

Japanese peace activist and symbol

Sadako Sasaki - Japanese peace activist and symbol
Born

January 7th, 1943
82 years ago

Died

October 25th, 1955
69 years ago — 12 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

Japan

Links & References

Survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima at the age of two, developing leukemia due to radiation exposure years later. While in the hospital, began folding origami cranes, inspired by the belief that folding 1,000 cranes would grant her a wish for recovery. This act and her story became symbols of peace and anti-nuclear sentiment globally. After her death, a statue was erected in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to honor the legacy of her wishes for peace.

Folded origami cranes in hospital

Inspired global peace movements

Symbolized the effects of nuclear war

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