While walking to the Hiroshima train station this morning, I noticed these old contorted and rusted objects. I thought they might have been old fire hydrants, maybe struck by vehicles. But, they were also clearly venerated objects, as evidenced by the assorted objects placed on and around them. This sort of veneration or devotional attention I would normally see at grave sites or around statues or shrines that I encounter regularly in this land.
I looked more closely at a sign. It said they were water pumps. A QR code was stamped but the link did not work.
It was very clear to me that these water pumps were victims of the atomic bomb blast. The two that I saw were both bent in the same direction, exactly away from the direction from which the blast wave would have come. These were east of the epicenter. I’d have also liked to see some on the west side. I couldn’t find anything online about them.
There are people in Hiroshima who treat these water pumps as sacred objects. They moved me as much as anything else here, if only because these pumps were probably the water source for the daily lives of the people living here.
I can imagine the stories of those who treat these old water pumps with devotion. Perhaps their parents or grandparents once lived near here and used these pumps. It is not so far-fetched to think so.
Let us honor those who went before us in the manner that is fitting to their memory and our need.
Autumn In Japan 
Hi! My name is Jim . . . it’s 1-15-2026, I just arrived back (today) from visiting in Japan, which included an incredible side trip last week, to Hiroshima . . . I too discovered these water pumps and I too, was immediately struck by the harsh realities exhibited in these wonderful, historical relics.
Yes! After going thru the Peace Park Museum, I learned that water was what the living victims were immediately craving after being struck & burned. Evidently water was quickly restored into the city, but maybe not soon enough for those hundreds & hundreds of people in desperate need. The rivers of the city became their only source; even as corpses of victims were floating past, and gathering along the bridge supports and in the quiet backwaters. [Vividly described in the Museum.]
Three of these water pumps still stand along the main thoroughfare twds Hiroshima station, as you mentioned. I think I have pix of all three? I’ll send pictures to you as soon as possible after my family & I get unpacked. Feel free to post them!!
Feel free to email me, no problem! 🙂
Jim Anderson
LikeLike
I would love to see your pics Jim. I’ve shared my photos of the water pumps, and of the many things I shared of my trip many were very moved more moved by these, as I was, seeing these wrecked pumps.
LikeLike
Jim: You can email to me at tpaulphillips@gmail.com. Are you also “observant50abb70798.”
LikeLike
Since you commented on my post I’ve done a few Google searches trying to find anything about these pumps, except for my own posts. I assume that is how you found my post. I find this very odd and don’t know quite what to make of it. They are remnants of the blast that remain as that we’re on that day, on the sidewalk. Very moving to me and many others, I’m sure.
LikeLike