February’s exhibit on the Art Wall at the Main Library on Harnish Drive, “Echoes of Hiroshima, A Survivor’s Story” depicts the experiences of Masakazu Saito, who survived the detonation of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima Japan, a little more than a mile from the epicenter.
The exhibit displays a series of watercolors painted by an unknown artist, which Saito commissioned twenty-five years ago. Now 101, Saito has dedicated his life to advocating for peace and the abolishment of nuclear weapons.
Join us on Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. for Echoes of Hiroshima, A Survivor’s Story, a moving virtual program commemorating the Hiroshima bombing on August 6, 1945. This event pays tribute to those affected by nuclear war while sharing an urgent message of peace.
Presenter Clinton Fairbanks shares Saito’s unforgettable story. At the age of 20, Saito was a squad leader in the Imperial Army’s Communications Division, living in a barracks just 1,800 metres from where the bomb hit. Gravely injured but resilient, Saito lived to share his experiences through the watercolors, and also a book, ninety seconds past midnight: an atomic survivor’s story. Fairbanks collaborated with Saito on the book, which his wife, Kaoru Fairbanks translated.
Fairbanks is a photographer and storyteller who has worked with creative communities in the U.S., Japan and other countries. He said that he’s drawn to stories of people, memory, resilience, and the moments that define a life. “My work explores how personality, history, and imagination intersect, especially stories that bridge generations and cultures. The book presents a historical biography centered on Mr. Saito’s lived experience,” Fairbanks said.
“I believe storytelling preserves voices that might otherwise fade. Mr. Saito’s story, in particular, has become a calling to share the most important message of peace, forgiveness, and remembrance.”
Learn more about Fairbanks and his work at his website. His books, including ninety seconds past midnight, are available from Amazon. Those wishing to support the continued sharing of Mr. Saito’s message of peace may contribute through GoFundMe.