2025 Documentary Film Screening & Discussion: Paper Lanterns (To Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombing of Japan)NEW

A Film by Barry Frechette. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945, we invite you to a special screening of the documentary Paper Lanterns. This event pays tribute to those impacted and to remember the enduring efforts toward peace and reconciliation. Dr. Richard Dasher, Director of the US-Asia Technology Management Center, will moderate a discussion with Paper Lanterns’ producer Nobuko Saito Cleary and Dr. Gary Mukai, Director of the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE), following the film screening.

The event will also feature a photography display of images from Nagasaki and Hiroshima provided by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Japan House Los Angeles, and conclude with a networking reception with light refreshments.

The film Paper Lanterns is based on the inspiring story of Shigeaki Mori, a Japanese atomic bomb survivor from Hiroshima, who dedicated his life to sharing the stories of Normand Brissette, Ralph Neal, and ten other American prisoners of war (POWs) who were killed by the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, in Hiroshima. Those Americans were held at the Hiroshima Military Police Headquarters since July 28 that year, when they were shot down during a bomb raid. For decades, many of the families of those 12 Americans were never informed regarding the fates of their loved ones. Mr. Mori has spent several decades researching about, and obtaining official recognition for, those U.S. aviators. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the names of those 12 Americans are now included in the Hiroshima Peace Museum.

Although it is nearly impossible to accurately showcase the tragedy that had happened due to the atomic bombing, the film depicts the efforts that were made to build long- lasting friendships through reconciliation between former enemies. Mr. Mori is displayed in the documentary as not only a Japanese atomic bomb survivor from Hiroshima but also as an individual who keeps hope for a better future alive by embracing people who caused him suffering.

Date
Wednesday, Aug 6, 2025

Time
04:15 pm - 05:45 pm

Organized by:
US-Asia Technology Management Center (US-ATMC)
Center for East Asian Studies (CEAS)
Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE)

Details and registration at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/documentary-film-screening-discussion-paper-lanterns-tickets-1482224566579?aff=oddtdtcreator