Title: Sound and Sustainable Spaces for Peace: Nuclear Holocaust, Musicality and Peacebuilding

Authors: Yoko Urbain, St. Marianna University Nursing School, Kawasaki City, Japan; Lynda-ann Blanchard, University of Sydney (Australia) and the National University of Timor-Leste (Dili).Freya Higgins Desbiolles, UniSA Business at the University of South Australia.

Abstract: A space holding objects with symbolic meaning can become a powerful ecosystem that functions like a museum for peace. We focus on three bells and six pianos that convey memories for generations to come, and invite people to build trust despite their different histories and memories of trauma and victory.

The Bell of Nagasaki was erected in 1977 in rememberance of the atomic bombing, and two other bells are located in Kokura, Japan and in Honolulu, Hawai’i. We show how the connections between these three bells allow each location to become an interconnected space for peace.

Hibaku Pianos is the name given to six pianos that survived the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. One of these pianos was played by US pop singer John Legend on December 11, 2017, at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert celebrating the accomplishments of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). Just three kilometers from the epicenter of the blast in 1945, this piano is a survivor.

The presenters will share how spaces holding these bells and pianos are contributing to building trust by conveying memories for generations to come, while inspiring countless people to build a better future together.

Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naxvKlLaAtc&feature=youtu.be