Hiroshima Peace Song

Exhibition for JAGDA HIROSHIMA

The designer created the design by envisioning how a single droplet of water expands into a cascading waterfall, using the lyrics of the Hiroshima Peace Song. Inspired by principles akin to Japanese Zen, the design is placed on a plain background so that its simplicity yields deeper significance the more one observes it. The English lyrics of the Hiroshima Peace Song, which is sung every year at the end of the Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 6, are used to symbolize how peace can spread outward.

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Hiroshima Peace Song by Naoya Katagami

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Exhibition by Naoya Katagami

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Naoya Katagami Hiroshima Peace Song

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Naoya Katagami Exhibition

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Unique Properties

I created this design by envisioning how a single droplet of water expands into a cascading waterfall, using the lyrics of the “Hiroshima Peace Song.” Inspired by principles akin to Japanese Zen, I placed the design on a plain white background so that its simplicity yields deeper significance the more one observes it. To portray the flow of the waterfall, I studied Leonardo da Vinci’s manuscripts on water dynamics. I used the English lyrics of the “Hiroshima Peace Song”—chorused every year at the end of the Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 6—to symbolize how peace can spread outward. A single droplet represents an individual, while the river and waterfall evoke the collective consciousness extending from that individual. The molecular clusters of water, signifying human connections and communities, are woven into various parts of the design. Rather than a commercial endeavor, this project aims to express a deeper, essential meaning of peace.

Tags

Peace,Poster,Exhibition,Design, Water Imagery, Typographic Design, Da Vinci Inspiration, Hiroshima History, Peace Advocacy, Poster Exhibition, Community Engagement, Gotham Font

Production Technology

This poster exhibition was held at the Former Bank of Japan Hiroshima Branch, a historic building located in the heart of Hiroshima and just 380 meters from the bombing’s hypocenter. Because many local citizens attend, we aimed for an immediately striking design. We utilized Akzidenz-Grotesk, a historically significant typeface, for the primary typography, while the exhibition’s title features Gotham—famously used for the film “Oppenheimer”—to add deeper resonance. We chose a black-on-white monochrome palette to ensure that the showcased works would stand out, including “Hiroshima Appeals” posters, professional designers’ pieces, and a total of 68 selected student posters. Recognizing the classic architecture of the building and its profound historical context, we strove to create a visual presentation that harmonizes with its setting.

Design Challenge

We focused on conveying both Hiroshima’s global reputation—rooted in its cultural and historical significance—and the city’s present calm, peaceful atmosphere, encouraging visitors to experience both. All of the exhibited works advocate peace, making this a truly remarkable poster exhibition. Our primary goal was to spark interest while ensuring the design carried a deeply meaningful message.

Project Duration

Exhibition Period August 25 (Sun) – August 30 (Fri), 2024 10:00 – 19:00 Venue Former Bank of Japan Hiroshima Branch (Atomic Bombed Building)

Operation Flow

This design invites visitors to follow a visual flow, starting with the large tapestry and moving through various signage. Each element guides attendees through the exhibition, helping them connect more deeply with its theme of peace. By uniting water imagery, typography, and strategic pacing, the experience is both intuitive and immersive, encouraging thoughtful reflection and dialogue.

Research

We were able to welcome a large number of visitors. The Former Bank of Japan Hiroshima Branch is located in the heart of Hiroshima’s bustling downtown, where many commuters pass by each day. The prominent Exhibition Banner Tapestry at the entrance successfully attracted people’s interest and drew them in. Additionally, A4 flyers were placed in the Atomic Bomb Museum and various municipal offices, which also helped bring in many attendees. Overall, we believe this event provided a valuable opportunity for many to reflect on peace once again.

Inspiration

When designing the “Hiroshima Peace Poster Exhibition 2024,” an annual event organized by JAGDA Hiroshima, my primary goal was to create something truly meaningful. In 2025, Hiroshima will mark 80 years since the atomic bombing, and even in 2024, key events like the release of the film “Oppenheimer” and the G7 Summit highlight the importance of revisiting the concept of peace. I chose to blend the lyrics of Hiroshima’s “Hiroshima Peace Song” with water—a symbol both of what bomb survivors longed for and of Hiroshima’s modern cityscape—to convey an essential message through typography, while also reflecting the city’s peaceful atmosphere today. To accurately portray the flow of water, I studied Leonardo da Vinci’s manuscripts, focusing on his observations of fluid dynamics. Inspired by the image of a cascading waterfall, I hoped to evoke the sense of peace spreading outward among all who experience the design.

Image Credits

Main Image: PHOTO / Naoya Katagami, SOUND / Words by Yoshio Shigezono Music by Minoru Yamamoto The city of Hiroshima, Image #1: PHOTO / Naoya Katagami, SOUND / Words by Yoshio Shigezono Music by Minoru Yamamoto The city of Hiroshima Image #2: PHOTO / Naoya Katagami, SOUND / Words by Yoshio Shigezono Music by Minoru Yamamoto The city of Hiroshima Image #3: PHOTO / Naoya Katagami, SOUND / Words by Yoshio Shigezono Music by Minoru Yamamoto The city of Hiroshima, Image #4: PHOTO / Naoya Katagami, SOUND / Words by Yoshio Shigezono Music by Minoru Yamamoto The city of Hiroshima,

Project Overview

Hiroshima Peace Song Exhibition has been a Silver winner in the Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Naoya Katagami was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Hiroshima Peace Song Exhibition.

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