Soka Peace Centre Malaysia Holds First Peace Exhibition Commemorating 80th Anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings

Soka Gakkai Malaysia, in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)’s Muzium and Galeri Tuanku Fauziah and School of the Arts, held the “Gestures of Peace Exhibition” at the Soka Peace Centre Malaysia (SPCM) in Penang from 13 September to 15 October, attracting 655 viewers. 

The exhibition, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, earnestly calls on humanity to build a future free from the horrors of war. Significantly, this marks the first peace-themed exhibition held at SPCM since its opening, making it a meaningful milestone.

Through a combination of visuals, artefacts and artworks, the exhibition presents both the historical and contemporary realities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, inviting visitors to reflect deeply on the value of peace. At its core are educational panels from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, documenting the pre-war prosperity, the devastation caused by the atomic bombings, post-war reconstruction efforts, and the global movement to abolish nuclear weapons.

Adding a human dimension to the exhibition are portraits by Japanese artist Masakazu Masuda, who delicately portrays atomic bomb survivors and their descendants. Through their eyes and expressions, visitors can sense both suffering and resilience, as well as the enduring wish for peace passed down through generations. 

On 8 September 1957, second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda delivered his historic Declaration Calling for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons before 50,000 youths in Yokohama. In his declaration, Mr Toda called for the complete abolition of nuclear weapons and warned that humanity must eradicate the devilish impulses hidden behind these weapons – the desire to control and dominate others as well as to threaten the right to life itself.

The exhibition is thus a dialogue transcending time and space. From the tragic lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to today’s pursuit of a world free from nuclear arms, the exhibition reminds us that peace is never to be taken for granted, but a conscious choice that each generation must uphold and cherish.

Through this exhibition, SGM once again conveys a clear message: We vow to inherit the spirit of the three presidents of Soka Gakkai, and work together with all sectors of society to advance towards a peaceful era free of war and nuclear weapons.

Reported by Eng Joo Min