A Special Sadako Peace Projects: Bringing Peace On Your Wings to Pearl Harbor
On October 10, 2026, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH), in partnership with Pacific Historic Parks (PHP), hosted a special Sadako Peace Projects at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The event brought together nine student volunteers from Ohana Arts and their families to honor the legacy of Sadako Sasaki and share her enduring message of peace, hope, and resilience.
Ohana Arts, the youth performing arts organization behind the acclaimed musical Peace On Your Wings, inspired by Sadako's life story, brings together students from different schools and diverse backgrounds throughout Hawaiʻi. Students welcomed visitors to fold paper cranes and learn together - many visitors were eager to learn more about Ohana Arts and enjoyed speaking with the students about their performances and experiences.
While folding cranes with visitors, the students shared the inspiring story of Sadako and her message of peace with visitors from across the continental United States, Australia, Canada, and El Salvador.
The day also offered memorable opportunities for the students themselves. In addition to volunteering, they explored the museum exhibits, visited the USS Arizona Memorial, and filmed footage for an upcoming music video. One especially moving moment occurred when the grandfather of one of the student performers, who witnessed the bombing of Pearl Harbor as a 10-year-old child, stopped by to visit his granddaughter and her fellow cast members. His presence served as a powerful reminder of the importance of sharing stories and working toward peace for future generations.
JASH is grateful to the students from Ohana Arts for volunteering their time and to Pacific Historic Parks for making this experience possible. Together, the students helped carry forward Sadako’s enduring message of peace and connection.
To learn more about the Sadako Peace Projects and how your keiki, family, or youth organization can get involved, please visit jashawaii.org/education/spp.