Gomen Nasai

[Written August 6, 2001 in Hiroshima
along the lantern-lit river, beneath the dome.]

I'm sorry

that our fathers fought
and never saw our friendship.

I'm sorry
that my country dropped bombs on yours, and
that yours dropped bombs on mine.

I'm sorry
that they never apologized.
I apologize.

Gomen Nasai.


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Gomen Nasai

Watashi tachi no chichi ga. Teki doh shide
Youjin toh narukotoga dekinakatta koto.

Gomen Nasai.

Watashi no kuni ga, gembaku wo
toka shita koto;

Anata no kuni ga, watashi no kuni wo
Bakugeki shita koto,

Gomen Nasai.

Kareraga ichidomo ayamatte inai koto,
Watashi kara owabi shimasu.

Ellen Thomas, 8/6/01; translated by Ai Takada