2025 Hiroshima Peace Scholars Share Reflections Back Home
This past summer, the 2025 Hiroshima Peace Scholars, Chloe Tonda (Punahou School) and Mia Nishiguchi (Kalani High School), traveled to Hiroshima for an educational and cultural exchange program focused on peace and remembrance. Since returning, the scholars have shared their experiences with the local community through commemorative events, media interviews, and school presentations.
On August 12, the scholars participated in the Hiroshima & Nagasaki 80th Anniversary Survivor Testimony & Exhibit Grand Opening Ceremony at the Battleship Missouri Memorial. The ceremony highlighted the connections between Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima and emphasized the importance of remembrance and reconciliation.
Chloe and Mia delivered remarks reflecting on their visit to Hiroshima and the lessons learned from hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors), encouraging attendees to carry forward the message of peace. Chloe emphasized that their purpose was not to compare tragedies or assign blame between nations, but to acknowledge the immeasurable harm caused and the importance of preventing such devastation from happening again. Mia added that comparisons risk diminishing the depth of human suffering, stressing that every tragedy deserves its full dignity and that each community’s story of loss, resilience, and rebuilding should be recognized as part of a shared humanity.
(L-R) Scholars delivering remarks at the ceremony; Presenting a maile lei from the blessing at the exhibit
On August 16, the scholars appeared on KZOO Radio (AM 1210) to share highlights of their trip and discuss their reflections on Hiroshima. During the live interview, they were asked about the experiences that left the strongest impressions, including visits to the Peace Memorial Museum, time with host families, and personal interactions with hibakusha.
The scholars reflected on the lessons learned through hibakusha testimonies and their participation in the Youth Peace Forum, and how these experiences shaped their perspectives on peace. They expressed their commitment to sharing these lessons through school presentations, community events, and personal advocacy.
JASH and the program chaperone also joined the interview to provide context, including the trip itinerary, the origins and purpose of the Hiroshima Peace Scholarship program, and upcoming application details for Oahu students interested in applying.
2025 delegation at KZOO radio station
The scholars also participated in a televised interview with Ashley Nagaoka, News Anchor at Hawaii News Now, alongside JASH President Reyna Kaneko. The segment highlighted Hawaii’s Sister Cities, including Hiroshima, and explored how the Hiroshima Peace Scholarship program strengthens cultural understanding. Chloe and Mia reflected on their experiences in Hiroshima, while President Reyna Kaneko shared the significance of the Sister Cities relationship and the role of youth exchanges in advancing peace and international connection. You can watch the news report at the following link: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/news/sister-cities/
2025 delegation and President Reyna Kaneko with Ashley Nagaoka of HHN
Part of the program requires the scholars to present about their experiences at their schools, Punahou School and Kalani High School, sharing reflections, photos, and stories from Hiroshima. These presentations aim to educate their peers about the consequences of war and the importance of peace, and to inspire the school community to reflect on how they can contribute to a more peaceful world.
Chloe’s presentation at Punahou School
Through commemorative events, media outreach, and school presentations, the 2025 Hiroshima Peace Scholars continue to bring the message of peace from Hiroshima to Hawaii. Their experiences highlight the ongoing impact of the Hiroshima Peace Scholarship program in cultivating young ambassadors for peace.
The Hiroshima Peace Scholarship (HPS) (est. 2009) was founded by Hiromi Peterson and Naomi Hirano-Omizo, retired Japanese language teachers of Punahou School, to encourage young peacebuilders and strengthen relationships between Hawaii and Hiroshima. The program is supported by the proceeds from their textbook series, Adventures in Japanese. JASH began managing HPS in 2021. To learn more about the Hiroshima Peace Scholarship, visitwww.jashawaii.org/education/hps.
