Screening Event for ‘Paper Lanterns’ at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles
2025/6/25
On June 21, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles hosted a screening of the documentary film “Paper Lanterns” with support from the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.
The documentary introduces the historical facts that twelve U.S. prisoners of war (POW) were also exposed to radiation from the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, and introduces the efforts of Mr. Shigeaki Mori, an atomic bomb survivor who spent more than 40 years searching for the bereaved families of these POWs to inform them of the facts to give them closure.
Consul General Sone began by saying that this year, which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the past and appreciate how Japan and the United States have grown to become allies with an unparalleled friendship, overcoming the tragedies of the war. He then expressed his hope that the screening would provide an opportunity for event attendees, especially younger people, to reflect on what can be done to build a better future.
The screening of the documentary was accompanied by a panel discussion. The film’s producer, Nobuko Saito Cleary, and director, Barry Frechette took the stage, with JAPAN HOUSE LA President Yuko Kaifu serving as moderator. During the discussion, the panelists introduced the intention behind the documentary, Mr. Shigeaki Mori’s activities, and other topics.
The event space featured a small exhibition of images provided by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, offering attendees and speakers a thoughtful space to reflect on the events of August 6, 1945.
The documentary introduces the historical facts that twelve U.S. prisoners of war (POW) were also exposed to radiation from the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, and introduces the efforts of Mr. Shigeaki Mori, an atomic bomb survivor who spent more than 40 years searching for the bereaved families of these POWs to inform them of the facts to give them closure.
Consul General Sone began by saying that this year, which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the past and appreciate how Japan and the United States have grown to become allies with an unparalleled friendship, overcoming the tragedies of the war. He then expressed his hope that the screening would provide an opportunity for event attendees, especially younger people, to reflect on what can be done to build a better future.
The screening of the documentary was accompanied by a panel discussion. The film’s producer, Nobuko Saito Cleary, and director, Barry Frechette took the stage, with JAPAN HOUSE LA President Yuko Kaifu serving as moderator. During the discussion, the panelists introduced the intention behind the documentary, Mr. Shigeaki Mori’s activities, and other topics.
The event space featured a small exhibition of images provided by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, offering attendees and speakers a thoughtful space to reflect on the events of August 6, 1945.
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| Panel Discussion | Consul General Sone giving opening remarks |
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| Photo exhibition from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum | Audience at “Paper Lanterns” Screening |