Kids Guernica!
"So now, 80 years after the war, Japanese & American people are such good friends. Just like the trees, we are flourishing!" - Chie Yazaki
A collaboration between the St. Paul / Nagasaki Sister City Commitee, The Story Table Foundation and Japaneese artist Chie Yazaki.
The mural was begun in Japan and finished in St. Paul MN on August 6th, 2025.
Story of the Atomic Bombed Trees
Chie Yazaki (translated by Sheila Asato,) talks about the two camphor trees in Nagasaki that were badly damaged and are now thriving!
Art & Friendship
Video on the creation of the Kids Guernica Peace Mural.
(Images start at minute 2:05)
Learn about the bombed trees that inspired the mural!
The two camphor trees were badly damaged in the atomic blast, but a few months later, they sprouted! Today, they are flourishing and have become symbols of peace and resilence!
Click to read about them here!
Beloved song about the Sanno Shinto shrine trees of Nagasaki.
Kusunoki- Blowing In The Wind Of 500 Years
by Fukuyama Masaharu
(English translation)
My soul is rooted in this land
It shall never decay, it shall never fall
I live on this hill, on this very hill
Across centuries blown by the winds of time
Alongside the one legged Torii
Bearing witness to the lives of people
Their joys their sorrows
Simply watching over them.
My soul cannont be taken
Though this body may be broken
Though this body may be burned
The cool breeze the blasting wind
The early summer rains, the black rain
I only receive them, I only endure them
I only reach for the sky
My soul is rooted in this land
It shall never decay, it shall never fall
My soul cannont be taken
Though this body may be broken
Though this body may be burned
My soul is rooted in this land
Singing with the rustling of leaves - a cry of life.