Report by Ms. Tomoko Aikawa, Executive Advisor for Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation
On September 8, 2024, the 1,000 Cranes for Peace project reached its goal during the Peace Crane Workshop at the Ituzaingó Cultural Center in the province of Buenos Aires. Led by Professor Mónica Mazas, collaboration with the Sadako Foundation, and singer-songwriter Carolina Buratti, along with the coordination of Japanese student Rocío Orellano, participants folded the final 50 cranes, reaching the project’s goal, which began in 2023. The event was supported by the Municipality of Ituzaingó as part of its “Culture for Peace” initiative, led by Mayor Pablo Descalzo, Peace Mayor, alongside Ayelén Estévez, Nahuel Cesari, and Leandro Fato.
The 1,000 cranes were exhibited during origami workshops at Palacio de Libertad, Centro Cultural Sarmiento, in October 2024. They also accompanied the opening ceremony of the Hiroshima-Nagasaki A-bomb Exhibition on October 2 and were present when the Hiroshima delegation with a hibakusha Teruko Yahata visited the Lenguas Vivas to see a peace cultural education class with Monica Mazas. The event also featured Olympic athlete Agustín Mezzutti, trampoline specialist, whose presence inspired participants to reach their goal. Notably, recycled paper was used for the cranes, aligning with environmental awareness.
The day concluded with the performance of the “Peace Bell Song” from Hiroshima, translated into Spanish, and another song dedicated to nature, reinforcing the message of peace and harmony with the environment.
Photos: courtesy of the City of Ituzaingó