LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Hiroshima survivor speaks at St. Mark's


Takashi Tanemori Photo provided

Takashi Tanemori of Berkeley, author of "Hiroshima: Bridge to Forgiveness" will speak at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Orinda at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3 to share his survivor story of the bombing of Hiroshima during World War II, as part of "Kindling New Fires for Peace, World Community Day."

Tanemori was seven-tenths of a mile from ground zero during the bombing on Aug. 6, 1945. Six members of his family lost their lives that day, and he struggled for many years to forgive the Americans for the bombing. Not only has Tanemori now forgiven, but he puts forth ongoing efforts to promote peace.

"Even though I am now almost completely blind due to the late embers of the naked sky of Hiroshima," Tanemori states on his website, "when I first saw with the 'vision of the heart,' I finally understood that I am at last, truly able to see. When I had an epiphany two decades ago, I was convinced that forgiveness is the first step toward peace, as it defines our relationship with the Divine Creator and sustains all human relationships."

There will also be a question and answer period with the Hiroshima survivor at the event. For information about Tanemori, visit www.hiroshima-forgiveness-tanemori.com.