A bell weighing 116 kilograms, engraved with eight Japanese characters that translate to "Long live absolute world peace," was crafted from coins and medals donated by more than 60 countries. The project was initiated in 1951 by Chiyoji Nakagawa, a former advisor to the Japanese Association for the United Nations. At the time, Japan was not yet a member of the United Nations, but Nakagawa envisioned the bell as a symbol of global unity and peace. The bell was officially presented to the United Nations in June 1954 by Japan, though the country was still not a full member. The ceremony was conducted by Japanese observer Renzo Sawanda during an event in New York. The bell is a traditional Buddhist temple bell known as a bonshō, which is commonly used in religious settings to mark significant events or to call devotees to prayer. It measures about 60 centimeters in diameter and 1 meter in height. The bell was installed in the Japanese garden of the United Nations near the Secretariat building in 2009, after renovations of the UN headquarters. This garden serves as a peaceful retreat and a reminder of the UN’s mission to promote global harmony. The bell is traditionally rung twice a year—on the spring equinox and on September 21, the International Day of Peace. This date also marks the beginning of the UN General Assembly. On this day, the UN Secretary-General usually rings the bell in a quiet, symbolic gesture, separate from major speeches or press events. The bell is placed in a hanamido, a small traditional temple often decorated with flowers, adding to its serene and contemplative atmosphere. In addition to its regular ringing, the bell has been used to commemorate special occasions. For example, it was rung in April 2011 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. The creation of the bell involved contributions from notable figures and everyday people alike. Pope Pius XII, for instance, donated gold coins, while children and ordinary citizens from around the world also contributed. This collective effort underscores the bell’s role as a unifying symbol of hope and international cooperation.