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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