On 16 September 2025, UNU will host a screening of Paper Lanterns, a documentary film directed by Barry Frechette and produced by Nobuko Saito Cleary. The event, which will start at 13:00 at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo, is made possible through the generous support of Glen Fukushima via the Japan Society of Northern California.
Paper Lanterns depicts the remarkable true story of Shigeaki Mori, a hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor) from Hiroshima who spent over forty years researching the identities of twelve US prisoners of war who perished in the atomic bombing. Through meticulous research and heartfelt outreach, Mr. Mori brought long-awaited answers to the victims’ families, offering a measure of closure and healing.
While confronting the devastating legacy of nuclear warfare, Paper Lanterns also delivers a poignant message of reconciliation. As Mr. Mori guides two victims’ family members through Hiroshima, showing them where and how their loved ones spent their final days, the documentary emphasizes the possibility of understanding between people once divided by war.
This special screening will be attended by high-level representatives from Japan’s diplomatic community and will be followed by a panel discussion. The panel will explore the themes of remembrance and reconciliation, and the role of personal initiative in historical truth-telling.
The film screening will be in English with Japanese subtitles. The panel discussion will be in English. Advance registration (by 15 September at 15:00) is required. Please click on the REGISTER button above to access the registration page.
Programme
12:30 — Doors open
13:00 — Opening remarks (speakers to be confirmed)
13:20 — Screening of Paper Lanterns
14:20 — Panel discussion (panellists to be confirmed)
14:45 — Closing remarks
14:50 — Reception and networking session
UNU@50
This event is part of the UNU 50th anniversary celebration. To learn more, visit: https://unu.edu/unuat50
