Hiroshima hosts world's first Dialogue in the Dark focused on peace

Japan marked a significant occasion by hosting a unique experiential program aimed at reflecting on the meaning of peace. This event took place in Hiroshima from August 2 to August 11, 2025, at the historic former Bank of Japan building in Naka Ward, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing. Co-organized by the City of Hiroshima and the Dialogue Japan Society, the program was fully booked before it launched, showing a strong public interest in discussions around peace. During the opening ceremony on August 1, dignitaries including Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui and Yoichi Miyamoto, a senior adviser at Shimizu Corporation, highlighted the importance of dialogue and understanding in fostering a culture of peace. Matsui shared his positive past experience with the Dialogue in the Dark program in Tokyo, expressing how it improved his understanding and empathy by focusing on communication without relying on sight. This sentiment was echoed by Miyamoto, who emphasized the need for mutual understanding in a divided world. Kiyoe Shimura, representative director of the Dialogue Japan Society, described the event as a groundbreaking initiative. She pointed out that the concept of peace extends beyond the absence of war to include the necessity of engaging in fair dialogues. Participants of the program engaged in small group discussions in total darkness, utilizing white canes to navigate their surroundings. This method encouraged them to rely on their other senses, particularly hearing and touch, to connect with each other and share their thoughts about peace. The experience was designed to prompt reflection rather than push for correct answers. At the culmination of the program, participants returned to a more contemporary setting in 2025, allowing time for discussions and reflections on peace and their shared experiences. Many attendees reported that the lack of visual cues enabled them to focus on the emotional aspects of their exchanges, leading to personal insights about peace. This innovative approach not only offered a unique way to discuss a critically important topic but also aimed to illuminate a path toward a future rooted in understanding and coexistence. The event served as a call for continued efforts in peace-building initiatives worldwide.