The Glow in the Dark Origami Crane Pin - A Symbol of Peace

The glow in the dark crane pin was designed with Sadako Sasaki in mind. If I asked 100 people, I'd doubt anyone would know who she is. Even her photograph would illicit no response. Sadako Sasaki was a hibakusha or a person who suffers from the effects of the atomic blasts in World War II. She was two years of age during the explosion in Hiroshima and developed leukemia years later. After hearing about the myth being granted a wish if one folds 1000 cranes, she succeeded before passing away in 1955. Sadako Sasaki's story is now a symbol of peace, and her original cranes are displayed around the world. 

After seeing multiple photos of her cranes, I was surprised at their small size. She made them out of scraps, medical papers, and sheets brought to her by friends. The crane pin is also purposely small at 3/4" wide. The glow in the dark honors the symbolic meaning of her cranes both day and night. Get yours here.

You can actually visit one of her cranes here in LA. There's one on display at the Japanese American National Museum.

- also please read Sadako Sasaki Statue in Seattle is Serendipitous