The Hiroshima-Kai of NY has served for nearly four decades as a vital community organization dedicated to preserving memory, fostering peace, and connecting generations of people with ties to Hiroshima. Founded in August 1988 as a volunteer-based social circle for Hiroshima natives and descendants in the New York metropolitan area, the group gradually evolved into a peace organization with an enduring mission: to keep alive the lessons of Hiroshima while advocating for a more peaceful world. Unlike the worldwide Hiroshima Kenjinkai network, Hiroshima-Kai of NY arose independently as a local initiative, built entirely by volunteers without membership dues or institutional backing.
The group’s signature activity is the annual Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Memorial, held every August 5 and 8 in New York City. These commemorations, now spanning over 30 years, bring survivors, descendants, civic leaders, and members of the broader public together to remember the devastation of the atomic bombings and to renew a collective commitment to peace. The 2025 ceremony was broadcast live from Hiroshima by Rev. Dr. T. K. Nakagaki and coordinated via Zoom by Yoshiko Nakamura, continuing the tradition of combining spiritual depth with interfaith and community outreach. The memorials have also drawn international attention; in 2025, Reuters covered the event, underscoring its significance as one of the longest-running community-led observances of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the United States.
From its earliest days, Hiroshima-Kai of NY has been sustained by the dedication of its members. A founding figure, Takeshi Furumoto, continues to serve as Honorary Chairman, embodying the group’s spirit of continuity. Rev. Nakagaki, a Buddhist minister and founder of the Heiwa Peace and Reconciliation Foundation of New York, has led the memorial services since 1994, offering both spiritual guidance and interfaith leadership. The current president, Mitchie Takeuchi, is the granddaughter of Dr. Ken Takeuchi, the founding president of Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital who led the hospital’s medical team in the aftermath of the bombing. She also produced and co-wrote the documentary The Vow from Hiroshima, which tells the life story of Setsuko Thurlow and her tireless activism that contributed to the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). Through her leadership, Hiroshima-Kai’s work has expanded beyond memorial events to encompass global advocacy, including close collaboration with peace missions at the United Nations. Other dedicated members contribute their time and expertise: Mike Amano has served as Secretary-General and Manager since 2010, maintaining membership records and communications; Yoshiko Nakamura supports event coordination and interfaith programs; Jun Suenaga connects the group with survivors and their families; and Elizabeth Ooka strengthens public engagement and international media outreach.
Hiroshima-Kai of NY is also known for its cultural and community activities. Each year it joins the Japan Parade in New York City, celebrating Japanese heritage while keeping Hiroshima’s story visible in the public eye. The organization also hosts a cherished summer tradition, the Nōryō-kai, or Summer Evening Gathering, which it organizes jointly with the NY Nagasaki Kenjinkai. At this event, members share food such as okonomiyaki, enjoy fellowship, and deepen community ties.
The group’s history intersects with broader cultural memory. Author Charles Pellegrino first attended Hiroshima-Kai’s early commemorations and drew inspiration for his later book Ghosts of Hiroshima from these gatherings. The book tells the story of Tsutomu Yamaguchi, a survivor of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki, whom Pellegrino later traveled to meet. Released in 2025, the book has already been optioned for a film by producer James Cameron, bringing Hiroshima’s story to new global audiences.
For nearly forty years, Hiroshima-Kai of NY has endured solely on the strength of its volunteers and their conviction that Hiroshima’s memory must not fade. Through memorial services, cultural gatherings, and international advocacy, the organization has created a space where remembrance is transformed into action, linking New York’s Japanese community to a worldwide movement for peace.
Interfaith Peace Gathering
— Memorial Service for the Victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Ceremony for Peace —
A peace event held in New York for over 30 years. At the exact time of the atomic bombings, the Bell of Peace is rung and a moment of silence observed. Around this, the program has included prayers by interfaith leaders, music, keynote lectures, atomic bomb exhibitions, and peace walks—honoring the victims and affirming a commitment to peace.
Facebook Live Recording
Watch on Facebook
Video on YouTube
Watch on YouTube
Audio File: Shinji Harada
Listen on Google Drive
Video: Rev. T. K. Nakagaki’s Closing Prayer and Remarks
Watch on YouTube
Rev. Dr. T. K. Nakagaki — Served as resident minister of the New York Buddhist Church for 16 years, initiating Manhattan’s first 9/11 Memorial Lantern Floating and supporting victims of the 3/11 earthquake through fundraising and memorials. Since 1994, he has led the annual New York Interfaith Peace Gathering, and in recognition of his peace work was appointed Hiroshima Peace Ambassador and Nagasaki Peace Correspondent. In 2017, he founded the New York Peace Foundation, launching the Manji Project to promote dialogue and mutual understanding.
Mitchie Takeuchi — current president, granddaughter of Dr. Ken Takeuchi, the founding president of Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital, who led its rebuilding after the bombing. Mitchie also produced and co-wrote the documentary The Vow from Hiroshima, which tells the life story of Setsuko Thurlow and her activism that contributed to the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). Through her leadership, the Hiroshima-Kai’s work has expanded from memorial services to global advocacy, including close collaboration with United Nations peace missions.
Takeshi Furumoto — a founding member and now Honorary Chairman, whose dedication has anchored the group since its inception.
Mike Amano — Secretary-General/Manager since 2010, who manages membership records, communications, and outreach.
Yoshiko Nakamura — supports event coordination and interfaith programs, including technical management of the annual memorial.
Jun Suenaga — strengthens ties with survivors and their families, ensuring their voices remain at the center of the memorials.
Elizabeth Ooka — contributes to communications and public engagement, and helps connect Hiroshima-Kai activities to international media and cultural networks.