Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes – Song

“Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” is a song released by internationally acclaimed, Hawai’i-based recording artist, composer and activist Makana, in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan that occurred on August 6 & 9 (respectively) 1945.

It is composed by Makana and Kayko Tamaki. The recording features a vocal performance by the Kwassui School Girls Choir. The lyrics are bilingual (English and Japanese).

The story of Sadako is world renowned. A native of Hiroshima, she was only 2 years old at the time of the bombing. She miraculously survived and grew into what seemed to be a healthy youngster at the age of 12. One day, while running track and field at school, she collapsed. Doctors determined she had leukemia from exposure to radiation caused by the atomic bomb. While in the hospital, Sadako was inspired by a traditional Japanese belief that said one’s wish would come true if they were to fold 1000 origami paper cranes. She used all her will and strength to fold as many cranes as she could, until she passed away. Her schoolmates completed the 1000 cranes in her honor, and eventually her story reached her town and the entire nation. Hiroshima city honored her with a statue that stands to this day, and Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes has become a children’s story known throughout the world as a tale of hope and peace for a world without the threat of nuclear war.