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The three mannequins in question are of an adult woman, a college-aged woman, and a small boy shown wondering through the blast aftermath in a severely burned state. Originally made from wax, the mannequins have been on display at the museum since 1973, and in their current form since 1991.
The topic of their removal came up at the city council’s budget meeting on the 14th. One of the council members stated, “A questionnaire conducted by a travel agency reveals that some people have found the display frightening.”
But, isn’t that the point?
Yoshifumi Ishida, who is in charge of ensuring education about the horrific event continues, said, “We are considering a policy stipulating the mannequins would not be displayed after renovations are completed.” The museum is scheduled to undergo improvements in fiscal years 2016 and 2017.
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It’s not rare for Hiroshima children who have visited the museum as part to their peace studies to continue talking about how frightening the mannequins were for many years. However, opinions from museum visitors are split on the subject of their removal. Lamenting their potential removal, Miyoko Nakazato, 77, who was visiting the museum from Tokorozawa City, Saitama, on March 14, said, “The mannequins are necessary for conveying the horrible realities of the bombing.” Meanwhile, Shotaro Higashi, a college student from Tsuru City in Yamanashi, opined, “Actual pictures and relics from the bombing leave a stronger impression. Displays with imitations aren’t needed.”
Read more at Opinions split on whether or not to remove mannequins from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
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