Japanese architect featured in the new Peace Prize exhibition

One thousand wooden figures on the floor of the exhibition represent one thousand testimonies from the survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

This year's Peace Prize exhibition shares the powerful story of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nihon Hidankyo and the Hibakusha—survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki — and shows their work for a world free of nuclear weapons.

Kengo Kuma is one of Japan's most respected contemporary architects, known for his innovative and sustainable designs that blend traditional Japanese building techniques with modern architectural methods. Born in 1954 in Yokohama, Japan, he has had a long and impressive career in architecture. His work is characterized by a deep respect for nature, the use of natural materials, and an often minimalist yet poetic approach.

“We are very pleased that Kengo Kuma is contributing to this year's Peace Prize exhibition. His representation of the Hibakusha carries both fascinating symbolism and a deep respect for humanity in their tragic stories. At the same time, he creates space for dialogue and shows us that the voices of the Hibakusha are crucial for our future,” says Kjersti Fløgstad, Director of the Nobel Peace Center.

Kuma’s contribution to the exhibition consists of 1,000 wooden objects inspired by the book "The Witness of those Two Days", which contains a thousand testimonies from the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The book was created by members of Nihon Hidankyo. Each object is crafted from wood sourced from Hiroshima and joined using a technique called kigumi, which results in a seamless finish. These objects will be displayed in the exhibition, where visitors can pick them up and find the testimonies of the survivors as well as to listen to selected stories from the book in audio format.

Alejandra Méndez, exhibition designer, shares her thoughts on the collaboration with Kengo Kuma to highlight these stories:

“We wanted people to have an intimate experience with the testimonies of the survivors, and we found several references to wooden objects, dolls, and lanterns, trying to figure out the best way to present them. That’s when Kengo Kuma came into the picture, and we decided to invite him to design the objects. Each piece will represent one of the thousand stories told by Nihon Hidankyo in their book.”

Kuma has previously designed several important public buildings and cultural institutions that promote dialogue, reflection, and understanding of historical events, including the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons. He has also been part of the architectural teams working on projects related to memorials and cultural institutions in Japan.