Sakura & Pearls: Healing from World War II is a moving documentary by PBS director G. K. Hunter, exploring the transformative power of reconciliation between former enemies. This film chronicles an unprecedented meeting between survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and American survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Through their emotional conversations, the documentary illuminates the power of human connection to bridge even the deepest wounds of war.
Sakura & Pearls premiered on PBS in 2021 and is now available for streaming on Prime. This documentary offers a rare and intimate look at the courageous meeting between 2 Pearl Harbor Survivors and 2 Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Survivors at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. With a view of the USS Arizona Memorial from the meeting room, the World War II survivors shared their painful and inspiring tales face to face in front of a student audience from Punahou High School and University of Hawaii.
With stunning cinematography and deeply personal interviews, G. K. Hunter’s documentary is both an educational resource and an inspiring testament to the resilience of our shared humanity.
“What happens when former enemies in war meet face to face? Healing begins.”
G. K. Hunter
Sakura & Pearls Featured Presenters:
Everett Hyland
Radioman Third Class, US Navy Veteran and Pearl Harbor Survivor
Everett Hyland was serving aboard the USS Pennsylvania during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Severely wounded while carrying ammunition to an anti-aircraft gun, he survived against all odds and went on to serve throughout World War II, earning seven campaign ribbons including the Purple Heart. After the war, Everett dedicated his life to education and, since 1995, became a beloved volunteer and storyteller at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, sharing his firsthand experiences with thousands of visitors.
Sakura & Pearls is dedicated to Everett Hyland, whose appearance in the film was his final public teaching before his passing, marking a poignant farewell to a life devoted to remembrance and reconciliation.
Jimmy Lee
Child Survivor of the Attack on Pearl Harbor
As an 11-year-old living on the shores of Pearl Harbor, Jimmy Lee witnessed the attack firsthand. His childhood was shaped by the trauma and upheaval of war, and he later served his country in the military and as a federal employee. For decades, Jimmy was a cherished volunteer at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, using his story to teach new generations about the impact of war and the importance of friendship and peace Sakura & Pearls is also dedicated to Jimmy Lee, who passed away shortly after filming, making his participation a lasting legacy.
Koko Kondo
Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Survivor
Koko Kondo was a child in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb was dropped. The daughter of Rev. Kiyoshi Tanimoto, a prominent peace activist, Koko later appeared on Ralph Edwards’ “This is Your Life” alongside Captain Lewis of the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the atomic bomb. Her lifelong dedication to peace and reconciliation has inspired audiences worldwide.
Masahiro Sasaki
Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Survivor and Brother of Sadako Sasaki
Masahiro Sasaki is the older brother of Sadako Sasaki, whose story of folding a thousand paper cranes became a global symbol of peace. Both siblings survived the atomic bombing, and Masahiro has devoted his life to sharing their story, promoting healing and understanding between former enemies
These remarkable survivors met face to face at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center near the USS Arizona Memorial. Sakura & Pearls: Healing from World War II exclusively captured their meeting. What happens when former enemies meet?
