Shin Tetsutani

Shin with his sister Michiko (http://www.pcf.city.hiroshima)

Shin Tetsutani was like any other three year old child. He wanted a tricycle in the worst way, and pleaded with his parents each day to receive one. Due to the weapons needed for the world war, it was impossible for children in many countries to have any toys made of metal because it was used for weaponry. This did not stop Shin from hoping that one day he would be the proud owner of his own bike.

Shin's uncle suprised him a few weeks before his fourth birthday with a beautiful tricycle. Shin was so excited and he shared the bike with his best friend, Kimi. Shin would ride his bike, with Kimi on the back, down the quiet streets of Hiroshima next to the lazy river that flowed through his town.

On the morning of August 6th, 1945, Hiroshima became the center of much confusion when America chose it as the site for an atomic blast that would end World War II. The Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor, and America wanted to fight back using a new, powerful bomb that would kill many.

Shin and Kimi died that day. Shin still had the tricycle handle in his hand when his parents tried to save him. His sisters Michiko and Yoko died, too. The entire city was left in a state of destruction. The radiation lingered for many years to follow, and killed many more from diseases caused by the aftermath of the bombing.

Shin, age three, with his sister Michiko

Shin's parents made him an angel hero fifty years after the bomb dropped. They were moving Shin's remains from their front yard to a cemetary and discovered the little tricycle that he had been riding on that day. Mr. and Mrs. Tetsutani decided to donate it as a museum exhibit in the Hiroshima Peace Museum. Now everyone can see Shin's little tricycle and the pictures of his family at the Peace Center. His little smiling face will remain in our hearts as a reminder for peace in the world. His story is captured in a book narrated by his father and written by a teacher, Tatsuharu Kodama, called: "Shin's Tricycle."