Perspective on Japan: One Thousand Paper Cranes by Carolyn Doorish Clinical Coordinator: Even though the symposium was held in Japan this year, almost all of the presentations were in English. To accommodate those who spoke only Japanese, instant translation via headset was available, at least during the major presentations. Although it was their country, the conference was held in English, not Japanese. This type of hospitality was evident throughout my stay in Japan. So was the presence of origami cranes. The paper birds were everywhere… small, large, all colors and patterns. I don’t know who made them, but it was impressive to see the vast display of these intricately folded creatures, some arranged into long chains. We were continually encouraged to take them home with us. I was puzzled by this until I learned the story of a thousand cranes. Sadako Sasaki was a Japanese girl who lived in Hiroshima, and was two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on her city in 1945. Her home was about a mile away from the point of impact and in 1954, she became ill and was diagnosed with leukemia. Her best friend told her about an old Japanese legend that promises a wish to anyone who folds a thousand paper cranes. Sadako began making origami cranes, but not only for herself, but for all who were suffering throughout the world. Sadako folded 1300 cranes and wished for healing and peace before dying at the age of 12. Paper cranes now have become a symbol of hope in Japan, representing the fight to overcome illness, and in this case, ALS.