Since 2023, the Polish museum has brought the story of wartime Warsaw to six Japanese cities: Hiroshima, Osaka, Sapporo, Tsuruga, Tokyo, and now Yokohama. Over the past two years, more than 15,000 visitors have experienced the display.
The opening ceremony at the Kanagawa Plaza for Global Citizenship was attended by Jan Ołdakowski, Director of the Warsaw Rising Museum; Michihiro Wakisaka, representing the Kanagawa Prefecture; and Tomasz Gwozdowski, Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Tokyo.
“This significant event gives us hope that the memory of the Uprising will not perish with the last of its survivors,” said Jan Ołdakowski during the ceremony. “The heart of Warsaw, condemned by many to be lost, continues to beat. In much the same way, Yokohama's heart never stopped beating, even though the city was twice devastated in the last century. Life returned thanks to the determination of its people.”
Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, shares its own “phoenix from the ashes” story, albeit under very different circumstances than Warsaw. In 1923, the city was almost entirely destroyed by a massive earthquake, but was rebuilt within just six years thanks to the resilience of its citizens. Later, in 1945, approximately 42% of Yokohama was destroyed by air raids during World War II.
Earth Plaza, where the exhibition is being held, is an institution devoted to raising global awareness, fostering international understanding, and promoting peace. “Despite our desire for peace, the world continues to suffer from conflicts and wars,” said Michihiro Wakisaka. “In Ukraine, despite efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, the war shows no signs of ending. Many innocent civilians remain caught in the conflict, and the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen.”
As part of the opening, attendees also had the opportunity to watch "Warsaw Uprising", a film directed by Jan Komasa.
The exhibition in Yokohama will be open to the public until November 4, 2025.
(aj)
SOURCE: Warsaw Rising Museum