Japanese Peace Bell

In the bustling borough of Queens, New York, nestled within the serene Japanese Garden at the United Nations Headquarters, stands a symbol of hope and unity: the Japanese Peace Bell. This remarkable bell, an emblem of international harmony, has a fascinating history and a profound message that resonates with visitors from around the globe.

The Birth of a Symbol

The story of the Japanese Peace Bell begins in 1951 with Chiyoji Nakagawa, a council member of the United Nations Association of Japan and later the mayor of Uwajima City. Inspired by the desire to promote global peace, Nakagawa embarked on a mission to create a bell that would embody the collective hope for a peaceful world. His vision was to gather coins and medals from people across the globe, transcending differences in ideology, nationality, and race, and melt them into a single bell.

With the support of Benjamin Cohen, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Nakagawa's proposal was unanimously approved by the UN Economic and Social Council. Over the next three years, Nakagawa traveled extensively, collecting coins and medals from more than sixty countries, including nine gold coins from Pope Pius XII. These contributions were melted down and cast into the bell by the renowned Tada Foundry in Takamatsu City, Japan.

Design and Significance

The Japanese Peace Bell is a bonsho, a traditional Buddhist temple bell, measuring 60 centimeters in diameter, one meter in height, and weighing 116 kilograms. The bell's surface is adorned with the Japanese characters “世界絶対平和萬歳” (sekai zettai heiwa banzai), which translates to long live absolute world peace. At the point where the wooden hammer strikes the bell, the sun and the moon are depicted, surrounded by laurel leaves, symbolizing peace and harmony.

The bell is housed in a belfry designed by Rinpei Oshita, a traditional architectural craftsman from Uwajima. The belfry's design is inspired by the blossom temple where Buddha was born, adding a layer of spiritual significance to the structure. The bell and belfry were transported to New York from Yokohama Port in 1954 and were installed in the Japanese Garden at the United Nations Headquarters. The presentation ceremony took place on June 8, 1954, marking the beginning of the bell's role as a symbol of peace.

Ringing for Peace

The Japanese Peace Bell is rung twice a year, each time carrying a message of hope and unity. The first occasion is around Earth Day on March 21, celebrating the vernal equinox and the renewal of life. The second, and perhaps more significant, is on the International Day of Peace, observed on September 21. On this day, the UN Secretary General, along with other dignitaries and public figures, gathers to ring the bell, sending out a powerful call for peace across the world.

These ceremonies are poignant reminders of the ongoing quest for global harmony and the importance of collective efforts in achieving it. The sound of the bell resonates through the United Nations Headquarters, serving as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the shared responsibility to foster peace.

A Legacy of Peace

The influence of the Japanese Peace Bell extends beyond its physical presence at the United Nations. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1961, Nakagawa presented replicas of the bell to President John F. Kennedy and Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev, accompanied by a message emphasizing the importance of peace and understanding. This gesture underscored the bell's role as a catalyst for dialogue and reconciliation.

In 1970, the original Japanese Peace Bell was temporarily moved to the Expo 1970 in Osaka, Japan, to promote its message to a global audience. During this period, a similar bell was installed at the United Nations Headquarters to ensure the continuity of its symbolic presence. After the Expo, the original bell was returned to its rightful place in New York.

Preserving the Message

The Association for the Preservation of UN Peace Bell, established by Nakagawa's daughter, Seiko Takase, continues to uphold the legacy of the Japanese Peace Bell. The association organizes bell-ringing ceremonies, educational workshops, and lectures to spread awareness about the bell's history and its message of peace. Through these activities, the association aims to inspire future generations to embrace the values of unity and cooperation.

In recent years, the association has also presented replicas of the Japanese Peace Bell to various countries, including Myanmar and Bosnia and Herzegovina, further extending its reach and impact. These replicas serve as enduring symbols of the universal aspiration for peace, reinforcing the bell's message in different corners of the world.

Visiting the Japanese Peace Bell

A visit to the Japanese Peace Bell in Queens offers a unique opportunity to connect with a powerful symbol of global unity. As you stand before the bell, take a moment to reflect on its history and the collective efforts that brought it into existence. The tranquil setting of the Japanese Garden provides a serene backdrop, allowing visitors to contemplate the importance of peace in today's world.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a peace advocate, or simply a curious traveler, the Japanese Peace Bell is a must-see landmark that embodies the enduring hope for a harmonious world. Its story is a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief that, together, we can create a brighter, more peaceful future for all.