SJMC Japan students packed their bags, boarded one of the fastest trains in Japan and climbed the steep steps of Hiroshima Castle as the program shifted to the west.
Hiroshima Castle, also known as Rijō, was initially built in 1589 by the powerful feudal lord Mori Terumoto. Referred to as Carp Castle, the castle was built on an area called koinoura (carp bay), filled with an abundance of carp and designated as a national treasure in 1931 until it was destroyed by the atomic bomb during World War II in 1945. The structure visitors see today is actually a replica of the original castle, rebuilt in 1958 using the original design.
As Stefan Chupp, digital media innovation senior, stood at the top of the castle and looked at the surrounding modern buildings, he thought about its instantaneous destruction.
“You get a glimpse into what it truly was like the day that the bomb dropped, which is very unfortunate, but I’m glad that they have so many details because it’s important to learn as well,” Chupp said.
However, it appears that the days of this version of Hiroshima Castle are also numbered. It’s been reported that the castle will shut down on March 22, 2026, because it does not meet contemporary earthquake safety standards.
It remains unknown whether the castle will be rebuilt. After learning this, the students were in disbelief, knowing that they would be the first and potentially last SJMC Japan team to experience the beauty of Hiroshima Castle.
Despite this, Peyton Bayne, an electronic media junior, and Arman Hopkins, an advertising junior, were in complete agreement.
“I’m very happy I got to see it before it’s closed down,” Bayne said. “But I hope they make a new one so people can have a similar experience, especially considering the historical significance.”
Hopkins agreed, saying he was shocked when he heard the news, so he felt lucky to have seen such an essential part of history before it was no longer available to the public.
Before touring Hiroshima Castle, students lugged their suitcases and backpacks in busy terminals before hopping on the shinkansen.
With a top speed of 200 mph, the shinkansen delivered the SJMC Japan team to Hiroshima in just under four hours. Shinkansen are revered for their impeccable safety, as there have been no casualties in their 61 years of operation. The train staff are also very respectful, turning around and bowing to the passengers each time they make their rounds down the aisles.
Throughout the ride, Japanese and English messages advised passengers against touching or speaking to the staff while the train was moving, as it is considered very disrespectful. SJMC Japan Academic Program Director Gilbert D. Martinez told the students that the message was a new addition to the train’s usual announcements, which may suggest that this had become an issue needing a warning.
Students were not only excited about riding the shinkansen but also about the bento boxes they had bought at the station before boarding.
Azuli Rodriguez, a senior majoring in digital media innovation, said that the entire experience was exciting and efficient.
“I was surprised about getting a headache and my ears popping due to the high speeds,” Rodriguez said. “I still love being able to experience it and can’t wait to try the train again.”
They also enjoyed the flavorful bento boxes, saying, “Mine were pretty yummy, and they felt very convenient.”
Before boarding, the students had to carry their luggage through numerous trains and stations. Heavy breathing and exasperated complaints were often heard throughout the journey.
Rodriguez found the ordeal extremely difficult, especially when their paper gift bag ripped open in the middle of a station.
“I felt that I was prepared for the trip, lugging my carry-on around with an extra bag, but definitely not prepared when my extra bag broke suddenly before an escalator,” Rodriguez said. “I redistributed everything, even tying shoes onto the back of my backpack.”
During their free time in the afternoon, some students checked out the local shops and ate dinner. Miya Coleman, a journalism junior, ate at Shake Shack, a popular burger chain in the United States.
“The Shake Shack here in Japan was actually cheaper and better than back home,” Coleman said.
As everyone settled into their new hotel rooms, excitement began to stir for tomorrow—their first full day in Hiroshima and day trip to Miyajima.
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