Hiroshima A-bomb girl inspires Filipino kids to fold peace cranes
Children in the Philippines are folding origami peace cranes, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a victim of the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bombing. The campaign, led by a local priest, aims to promote peace amidst ongoing global conflicts.
Why it matters
This highlights the role of historical memory and grassroots activism in fostering peace education among youth in regions affected by geopolitical tensions.
Children take part in a peace crane origami activity at a church in Quezon City, the Philippines, on April 21, 2026. (Kyodo) The story of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who died of leukemia 10 years after being exposed to radiation from the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima, has inspired children in the Philippines to fold origami peace cranes in a campaign to end war.
In events organized by Catholic priest Robert Reyes, the children gathered on two occasions, in late April and mid-May, in a church in Quezon City, north of the capital Manila, and folded over 1,000 colorful cranes. Reyes said they aim to promote peace "through something as simple as folding origami."
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