Mariko Komatsu was born and raised in Hiroshima up until her graduation from high school. She moved to Montreal then to Toronto and lived in Canada for 10 years as a student and school teacher. Mariko was very surprised to learn that anybody from all corners of the world knew her hometown and had plenty to say about it ~ not only related to the A-bomb destruction but also the remarkable reconstruction like a phoenix. That experience fuelled her to be positively and proudly vocal about her heritage. Having worked in Sierra Leone and various NGOs, Mariko is now back in Hiroshima and pursuing the ways to keep on the legacy of the past wars and many efforts of the citizens through Peace Education and hosting various open events where people meet and freely exchange their thoughts for peace. Project NOW! is currently her main focus where young artists and likes gather to chat and communicate their thoughts for peace and nuclear abolition in various art forms. Project NOW! has just published the art book titled “NOW”, calling to people “Switch on, Imagination”. Her next project is creating an interactive exhibition of “memories” is opening soon in downtown Hiroshima.