Hiroshima Peace Song: Art, Typography, and Water Imagery Unite

Naoya Katagami’s exhibition blends history, design, and peace advocacy in Hiroshima.

As Hiroshima approaches the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, the Hiroshima Peace Poster Exhibition 2024 stands as a poignant reminder of the city’s journey from devastation to hope. Organized by JAGDA Hiroshima, this annual event gains special resonance in a year marked by global conversations on peace, including the release of the film "Oppenheimer" and the G7 Summit. The exhibition’s central piece, "Hiroshima Peace Song," draws inspiration from the city’s iconic anthem and the universal longing for peace, using water as a metaphor for renewal and connection.

Naoya Katagami’s design process involved a deep exploration of water’s symbolism, referencing Leonardo da Vinci’s studies of fluid dynamics to capture the movement and tranquility of a cascading waterfall. The lyrics of the "Hiroshima Peace Song," sung annually at the Peace Memorial Ceremony, are woven into the visual narrative, representing the spread of peace from a single droplet to a collective river. The design’s minimalist approach, influenced by Japanese Zen principles, invites viewers to find deeper meaning in its simplicity, while the use of Akzidenz-Grotesk and Gotham typefaces adds historical and contemporary layers to the presentation.

The exhibition’s setting at the Former Bank of Japan Hiroshima Branch, a historic building just 380 meters from the bombing’s hypocenter, amplifies the emotional impact of the display. Large-scale banners, monochrome signage, and thoughtfully curated student and professional works create an immersive environment that guides visitors through a journey of reflection and dialogue. The strategic placement of flyers in the Atomic Bomb Museum and municipal offices further extended the exhibition’s reach, drawing a diverse audience to engage with its message.

Technical specifications highlight the scale and attention to detail: a prominent entrance tapestry, multiple signage formats, and A4 information boards ensure clarity and accessibility. The use of Araveil paper and selective color printing enhances the tactile and visual quality of the materials. Each design element, from the flowing typography to the spatial layout, is crafted to harmonize with the building’s architecture and the exhibition’s contemplative theme.

Katagami’s work has been recognized with the Silver A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2025, a testament to its artistic excellence and innovative approach. The exhibition not only honors Hiroshima’s past but also encourages ongoing reflection on peace, making it a significant contribution to the global dialogue on remembrance and reconciliation.

The Hiroshima Peace Poster Exhibition 2024 exemplifies how design can serve as a powerful tool for advocacy and education. By merging historical context, artistic vision, and community engagement, the exhibition invites visitors to contemplate the enduring importance of peace and the role of creative expression in shaping collective memory.