Discovering the dual history of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: From tragedy to cultural gems

Discovering the dual history of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: From tragedy to cultural gems
Hiroshima, with Hiroshima Castle in the foreground. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 08 March 2024
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Discovering the dual history of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: From tragedy to cultural gems

Discovering the dual history of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: From tragedy to cultural gems
  • The two cities were almost wiped out in 1945. They remain sobering but rewarding destinations for visitors 

TOKYO: Hiroshima and Nagasaki will forever be infamous as the first cities to be targeted by atomic weapons. Nearly 80 years since the world entered the nuclear age, however, both are keen to promote the more positive parts of their histories and some of their unique attractions. 

There is no getting around the fact, however, that Hiroshima and Nagasaki are on travelers’ maps today largely because they were nearly wiped off them completely in 1945. 

Hiroshima — less than five hours south-west of Tokyo by bullet train — is spread across the delta of the Ota River. A distinctive T-shaped bridge on the northern tip of one of the delta’s long, slender islands was the target of “Little Boy,” the bomb dropped by the Enola Gay B-29 Superfortress at 8.15 am on August 6, 1945. 




Nagasaki Skyline at night from Mount Inasa. (Shutterstock)

It detonated almost directly above the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall, a steel-and-concrete structure that, while almost everything within the blast radius of several kilometers was destroyed, withstood the explosion. Its skeletal remains are today known as the A-Bomb Dome. 

Just across one branch of the river is the Peace Memorial Park, home to the sobering Peace Memorial Museum where survivors’ tales are interspersed with artifacts such as melted glass or thick steel that was folded by the force of the blast. An eternal flame burns in a cenotaph in the gardens where commemorations are held every August. 

Nearby is the famous Children’s Peace Monument, which depicts a girl with her arms outstretched and an origami paper crane above her. The model for the statue was Sadako Sasaki, who survived the bomb but was diagnosed with leukemia in 1954. In hospital, before her death in 1955, she folded more than 1,000 paper cranes which, according to Japanese lore, would grant her a wish.  

Hiroshima Castle, once the base of local warlord Terumoto Mori, is well worth visiting, even if it is a reconstruction, the original having been destroyed by the bomb. Its spacious grounds are the best place in the city to enjoy the cherry blossoms during the brief spring “hanami” season. 

A short boat journey away is the island of Itsukushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dotted with shrines and pagodas dating back centuries. It is most famous for the bright orange “torii” gate that stands in front of Itsukushima Shrine and appears to float above the water at high tide. 




The 'floating' gate in front of Insukushima Shrine. (Shutterstock)

Around 400 kilometers to the west of Hiroshima, on the island of Kyushu, is Nagasaki, which — under the national-isolation policy of the Tokugawa shogunate — was once the only port in Japan where Portuguese and Dutch traders were permitted to come ashore and trade. This enabled Christian missionaries to gain a foothold in the mid-1500s, which led to hundreds of Japanese converts being executed.   

As trade grew, so did Nagasaki’s importance. When Japan emerged from a second bout of isolation in the mid-1850s, Western concepts, engineering and technology flowed through the city and it became Japan’s center of shipbuilding, thanks in part to Scottish merchant Thomas Glover, who arrived in 1859, and swiftly became involved in the construction of ships and railways, and the import of, among other commodities, guns. 

Glover’s luxurious former home sits on a bluff overlooking the harbor and the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries dockyards that are direct descendants of his ventures. A number of other historic buildings from the city’s foreign community have been preserved, giving a glimpse into the luxury in which expats lived at the time. 

Nagasaki also has a thriving Chinatown district, which gets particularly raucous during New Year festivities, while Dejima has undergone extensive archeological investigation and reconstruction to return it to the fan-shaped isle that was built on the orders of the shogun in 1636, linked to the mainland by a footbridge to limit the early foreign traders’ interactions with locals. 

A cable car can take you the 333 meters to the top of Mount Inasa, on the west side of the inlet, where the view is particularly spectacular at night. Further along the inlet, after it has become the Urakami River, is the spot that will forever connect Nagasaki to Hiroshima. Here stands a towering 10-meter statue of a man with his left hand extended in a gesture of peace while his other hand points to the skies. 

The plutonium bomb, “Fat Man,” detonated 500 meters above this spot just after 11 a.m. on the morning of August 9, 1945. The man’s eyes are closed. The sculptor wanted him to appear to be in prayer for the dead. 


Bella Hadid guest stars on ‘Holland’s Next Top Model’ alongside her mother

Bella Hadid guest stars on ‘Holland’s Next Top Model’ alongside her mother
Updated 23 November 2024
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Bella Hadid guest stars on ‘Holland’s Next Top Model’ alongside her mother

Bella Hadid guest stars on ‘Holland’s Next Top Model’ alongside her mother

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian model Bella Hadid shared a series of images from her experience as a guest judge on “Holland’s Next Top Model,” the reality series where her mother, Yolanda Hadid, serves as one of the judges.

The post features a carousel of photos and videos, including moments with her mother, the show’s judges and contestants, as well as behind-the-scenes shots from various photoshoots.

In the caption, the runway star expressed her excitement about her fragrance brand, Orebella, being featured on the episode, describing it as “a dream.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid)

She said: “Thank you @hollandsnexttopmodelnl for having me on as a guest judge! To have @orebella be shot, on a show so dear to my heart, in my most beautiful Holland, was a dream.”

Hadid also reflected on her admiration for her mother. “To watch my mama work and be a second mama to a new generation of young creative human beings is such a blessing to me! Things that my mom can teach, she wasn’t taught. It’s part of who she is,” she said. “Her talent, nurturing ability, maternal instincts, confidence in hard work and success, faith in people and love for fashion is what makes her so special, especially on a show like this. I am so proud of you, mama.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid)

The model described the transformative journey of the contestants on the show. “This was just an incredible experience to watch these young women and men push themselves but also grow to know themselves better than when they arrived,” she added. “I saw so much of myself in every one of them, and I am proud of each one for getting through a competition that I know for sure is mentally and physically exhausting.”

Hadid launched her brand in May with three fragrances: Salted Muse, Blooming Fire and Window2Soul.

In August, she expanded her collection with the launch of a new scent called Nightcap, described as a “warm and spicy” fragrance featuring notes of ginger, cardamom and vanilla.

For the launch, she hosted a party in West Hollywood, where she wore a dusty-pink gown with delicate embroidery and bow detail from Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad.


Part-Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair fronts Balmain’s Resort 2025 campaign

Part-Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair fronts Balmain’s Resort 2025 campaign
Updated 23 November 2024
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Part-Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair fronts Balmain’s Resort 2025 campaign

Part-Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair fronts Balmain’s Resort 2025 campaign

DUBAI: French Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair this week shared pictures from her latest campaign with Balmain, showcasing the brand’s Resort 2025 collection.

In one of the images, Al-Zuhair donned a strapless denim mini dress paired with two matching denim handbags and calf-high black boots.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Balmain (@balmain)

In the second image, she wore a black sequined two-piece outfit, featuring a crop top and a high-waisted skirt. The design incorporates gold and silver embellishments, with the top featuring the word “L’aime,” meaning “loves” in French. The setting, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, tied the look to the brand’s Parisian roots.

This is not Al-Zuhair’s first collaboration with Balmain. She previously walked for the brand during Paris Fashion Week in September.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Balmain (@balmain)

She showcased a structured gray blazer over a classic black T-shirt, complemented by vibrant red suede over-the-knee boots that added a bold pop of color. Her ensemble was completed with a neutral-toned shoulder bag and a striking gold pendant necklace.

The model has been spending the week in Dubai and shared a moment on Instagram featuring an advertisement she spotted for Maison Alaia in Dubai Mall. “Casually shopping in Dubai Mall … and look who I found,” she said in the caption.

Al-Zuhair also shared a photo of herself having lunch with a friend at Al Mandaloun, a Lebanese restaurant in Dubai.


Kosas brings clean beauty to the Saudi market

Kosas brings clean beauty to the Saudi market
Updated 23 November 2024
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Kosas brings clean beauty to the Saudi market

Kosas brings clean beauty to the Saudi market

DUBAI: Clean beauty brand Kosas has officially entered the Saudi market, offering a range of skincare-focused makeup products.

Founded by Sheena Zadeh, Kosas, now available at Sephora Middle East, prioritizes skin-nourishing ingredients, a mission the founder feels deeply resonates with the Saudi market.

“Saudi Arabia is such a vibrant, emerging market with a rich beauty culture,” Zadeh told Arab News, adding that over the years, she has seen a growing demand from the Middle East for clean, high-performance beauty products. “Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this trend,” she said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kosas (@kosas)

“For us, it’s about more than just expansion; it’s about connecting with a culture that values authenticity, quality and a holistic approach to beauty,” Zadeh said.

In preparation for its Saudi debut, Kosas chose a range of products aligned with local beauty needs. “We curated our lineup with universal favorites and regional needs in mind,” Zadeh said.

This lineup includes bestsellers such as the Revealer Concealer, the Cloud Set Baked setting powder, and the BB Burst Tinted gel cream moisturizer.

This lineup includes bestsellers such as the Revealer Concealer. (Supplied)

“(The setting powder) helps achieve that lasting, natural matte finish ideal for the warm climate,” Zadeh said, adding that the tinted moisturizer is “perfect for those looking for lightweight hydration with coverage.”

Kosas also plans to connect with the Saudi community by staging workshops and events focused on clean beauty and skin health.

In preparation for its Saudi debut, Kosas chose a range of products aligned with local beauty needs. (Supplied)

“We’re very committed to education and empowerment in the beauty space … we believe that beauty should feel effortless and enjoyable, so our educational initiatives will focus on simple, effective ways to incorporate Kosas into daily routines. We’re really excited about this,” Zadeh said.

Zadeh said her own roots influenced Kosas’s mission: “I’m Middle Eastern myself and I’ve always felt deeply connected to the region’s beauty philosophy.

“At its core, Kosas has a holistic and layered approach that aligns with the depth and tradition of Middle Eastern beauty philosophies,” she added. “Kosas was born from a deep passion for clean beauty that’s effective, fun, and makes people feel good in their own skin. Our journey started with a desire to create makeup that doesn’t just sit on the skin but works with it.”


Lavish and Johara Global collaborate to celebrate Saudi Culture

Lavish and Johara Global collaborate to celebrate Saudi Culture
Updated 23 November 2024
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Lavish and Johara Global collaborate to celebrate Saudi Culture

Lavish and Johara Global collaborate to celebrate Saudi Culture
  • Lavish founders Nada Altobaishi and Hala Alsharekh said in a statement: “Lavish Concept Store is more than just a destination for luxury and style; it is a platform where innovation, culture, and creativity thrive

LONDON: Lavish Concept Store and Johara Global on Thursday joined forces to host an event at the Lavish pop-up in The Music Room, Mayfair, London, celebrating the timeless beauty and rich traditions of Saudi culture.

Lavish Concept Store aims to foster creativity and innovation, while Johara Global is a platform to support female leaders and enable them to fulfil their potential.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the event offered an immersive cultural experience, spotlighting the heritage and artistry of Saudi Arabia through a blend of fashion, art and cuisine.

A fashion show featuring traditional Saudi costumes showed off the intricate craftsmanship and rich heritage of the region.

Lavish founders Nada Altobaishi and Hala Alsharekh said in a statement: “Lavish Concept Store is more than just a destination for luxury and style; it is a platform where innovation, culture, and creativity thrive.

“We are committed to curating exclusive, high-quality products while showcasing the work of emerging artists and artisans.

“Our vision is to redefine the retail experience by blending timeless elegance with cutting-edge trends, all while championing artistic expression and cultural diversity. At Lavish, we strive to inspire confidence and elevate everyday living through the fusion of luxury, culture, and innovation.”

Katie Partridge, founder and chairwoman of Johara Global, and Intisar Alyamani, CEO of Johara Global said in a statement: “Johara Global was set up with a mission to bridge the east-west gap and foster the leadership of women through our four main pillars. Collaborations like these create a lasting and powerful impact on the community. We are delighted to join forces to achieve this.”

 


Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film ‘The Glassworker’ makes Oscars eligibility list

Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film ‘The Glassworker’ makes Oscars eligibility list
Updated 22 November 2024
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Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film ‘The Glassworker’ makes Oscars eligibility list

Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film ‘The Glassworker’ makes Oscars eligibility list
  • The film was released in July, with its director calling it the result of ‘passion and perseverance’
  • Selection committee in the country says it has broken ‘new ground for animation’ in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film, “The Glassworker,” has been named on the list of eligible films for the 97th Academy Awards in both the Animated Feature Film and International Feature Film categories, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced this week.
Directed by young Pakistani animator Usman Riaz, the film was released in July and features 1,477 cuts and 2,500 individual drawings. The coming-of-age tale follows Vincent, a young apprentice at his father’s glass workshop, and Alliz, a talented violinist and the daughter of a military colonel.
Against the backdrop of a looming war, their relationships with their parents and each other are tested.
“Thirty-one features are eligible for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category for the 97th Academy Awards,” the Academy said on its website, with “The Glassworker” among them.
“Films submitted in the Animated Feature Film category may also qualify for Academy Awards in other categories, including Best Picture,” it added. “Animated features that have been submitted in the International Feature Film category as their country’s official selection are also eligible in the category.”
Five films from the list will be shortlisted for nominations in the Animated Feature Film category, with the ultimate winner announced at the Oscars ceremony scheduled for March 3, 2025.
A team of 250 national and international cast and crew members worked on the film, which was produced by Riaz’s Karachi-based Mano Animation Studios.
The film became Pakistan’s first-ever animated feature to be nominated for Oscars consideration in September.
“Usman and Mano’s work has demonstrated exceptional storytelling and artistry while breaking new ground for animation in Pakistan,” the Academy Selection Committee of Pakistan said earlier while lauding the project. “This achievement will be remembered in our cinematic history.”
Riaz described his effort as a result of “a decade of passion and perseverance” when the film was nominated for Oscars from Pakistan.
“I am deeply humbled by the selection and hope this story resonates with audiences everywhere, showcasing the talent and creativity Pakistan has to offer,” he added.