Sadako Sasaki was 2 years old when the bomb fell in Hiroshima. She survived and for 8 years went on to live quiet the normal childhood. In 1955 she developed a terminal case of leukemia. While she was in the hospital she began making paper cranes. "Origami"! In Japan (and Korea too) there is a myth about folding 1000 (in Korea 100) paper cranes. The gods will grant a wish for 1000 of them. Sadako didn't receive the health she had hoped for. However, her life has become a symbol and hope for peace. Every year children across Japan (and beyond) fold paper cranes for this Children's Peace Memorial. The "booths" to the side of the monument are full of paper cranes. Next time I see origami I will think of Sadako's story.
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