Hiroshima, the first city in the world to experience an atomic bombing, sought to collect stories from survivors for peace education. However, gathering episodes from the survivors required addressing their trauma, and the conventional method had its limitations. PLAY SPACE, a peace education organization, developed a method to help survivors process their trauma during interviews.

Seventy-nine years have passed from the Hiroshima bomb, the survivors’ number are decreasing due to aging.

PLAY SPACE, a peace education organization in Hiroshima is committed to collecting as many stories as possible to promote peace education. However, despite the survivor’s willingness to share their stories, they often experience trauma when recounting their stories. As a small company in Hiroshima with limited resources, PLAY SPACE couldn't afford an extensive campaign budget. We sought a more direct and cost-effective solution to address the problem.

In Hiroshima, there was a common misconception that “survivors must tell their stories”, for the sake of peace. As well as bomb survivor organizations having significant influence, and those outside the circle had few opportunities to share their stories, even if they desired to. This activation shed light on untold stories.

PLAY SPACE has developed a handkerchief device and app that applies the knowledge of certified psychologists and therapists. The handkerchief device allows to acquire vital data without frightening the elderly survivors. The vital data is then sent to the interviewer’s smartphone while the AI will analyze and provide optimal questions and care advice according to the emotional changes. This enabled untrained interviewers, such as students and family members, to gather stories while caring the emotional wounds of the survivors with the knowledge of a therapist. The collected stories were compiled into a visual book and utilized for peace education at the UN and elementary schools.

January 2023: Commencement of joint research with universities.

May 2023: Initiation of discussions with the survivors.

July 2023: Pre-launch of the system.

September 2023: System launch and commencement of interviews.

December 2023: Compilation of collected stories into a book, and distribution to UN.

This system consists of a handkerchief device and an AI equipped smartphone app. The handkerchief device will acquire vital data such as heart rate, skin temperature and perspiration from elderly survivors without causing distress. The vital data is then sent to the interviewer’s smartphone where the AI analyzes the mental state of the elderly. The AI then provides optimal questions (such as questions to calm them when they are upset) or pause the interview if the individual is in an overly tense state and encourage care to recover. Developed in collaboration with university psychologists and therapists, these systems incorporate advanced therapeutic techniques accessible to students and others who do not have the knowledge. Beyond the testing phase, these systems are currently in active operation.

Interviews with over 50 survivors successfully gathered a collection of untold stories. The media in Hiroshima has expressed interest in this initiative, considering an event for the display of new stories in August 2024, marking the 80th year since the atomic bombing. Additionally, Fukushima Prefecture an area hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake, also considers the utilization of this system. (Challenging similar issue to those in Hiroshima, the aging population of earthquake victims and the need to address trauma)