In Tokyo, UPF-Japan held a commemoration of the International Day of Peace at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. In the Kanagawa prefecture, 70 people joined in cleaning up the Wada-Nahama beach on the Miura peninsula.
Tokyo - UPF-Japan organized a Commemoration for the International Day of Peace with the support of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Japan on September 28. The event was held at a hall in the Embassy of Afghanistan in Tokyo, and approximately 50 Ambassadors for Peace, including ten foreign diplomats in Japan, former Japanese Ambassadors, and leaders from various fields attended.
At the beginning of the program, the participants offered a silent prayer for the two Afghan leaders who sacrificed their lives for peace in terrorist attacks. One of them was H.E. Hon. Rabbani, former President of Afghanistan, who passed away on September 20, 2011: just one day before the International Day of Peace. The other was Hon. Ahmad Shah Massoud, a national hero of Afghanistan who passed away on September 9, 2001: two days before 9/11. Silent prayer was also offered to the victims of the March 11 great earthquake in Japan.
{besps}/images/stories2/asia/2011/japan/3882{/besps}The opening remarks were given by Prof. Hiroo Suzuki, the President of the Association of the Ambassadors for Peace and a professor emeritus at the Tsukuba University, after Mr. Shigenari Kato, Secretary General of UPF Peace Diplomats Forum, who served as the master of the ceremony read the UPF Statement for the International Day of Peace 2011.
Prof. Suzuki emphasized that the ideal family is the key to overcome the crises faced by the world today.
Hon. Yoshinori Oho, former Minister of State for Defense and a current member of the House of Representatives, suggested in his congratulatory remarks that, “Since the type of war after 9/11 has shifted from war between nations to war against terrorism, international cooperation is more important than ever before.”
Then, H.E. Dr. Sayed Mohammad Amin Fatimie, Ambassador of Afghanistan and an Ambassador for Peace, gave his welcoming remarks and said, “We in our nation are working toward sustainable and nationwide peace through the efforts of our brave citizens, international partners, and H.E. President Hamid Karzai’s vision for reconciliation and reintegration.” Referring to the martyrdoms of H.E. Hon. Rabbani and Hon. Massoud, he emphasized that their selflessness caused thousands of success stories. “This year, we have seen the populaces of multiple countries raise their voices and extend their influences in their nations’ governments. I believe that if these people are supported properly, these empowered voices can become ones of peace and harmony,” he concluded.
The key presentation was given by Dr. Tetsuji Tanaka, the Executive Director of Central Asia and Caucasus Research Institute, on the theme, “The Exchange of Civilization between East and West: History and Future of the Silk Road.”
He explained that Japan received cultural benefit from Central Asia by referring to the many treasures stored in Todaiji’s Shosoin (Imperial Repository in the 7th century), such as the dance mask, flute, and other goods that had been brought to Japan along the Silk Road from Central Asia and Persia. “I think it is now the primary responsibility of Japan is to deliver its modern technology to the people in the Central Asia and the Persian region by tracking back the former Silk Road in order to help the people in those regions,” he said.
He also introduced Ven. Genjo Sanzo (Tripitaka Master Kumarajiva), who translated the Sutra (Buddhist Scripture) into Chinese in the 7th century. His translation work of the Scripture in Central Asia contributed to bringing peace in East Asia. Likewise, “Sustainable peace in the Central Asian region including Afghanistan would have far-reaching effects on peace in Japan and the world,” he concluded.
After these programs, the participants enjoyed Afghan food served by the Afghanistan Embassy and entertainment performed by a group of Ambassadors for Peace: a group ensemble of koto (Japanese harp), flute, and opera singers from one of the most prestigious musical theaters in Japan.
Miura Peninsula - On September 18, the Youth Federation for World Peace and the Universal Peace Federation co-hosted a cleanup activity at the Wada-Nahama beach of the Miura peninsula in Kanagawa prefecture, and approximately 70 people, including those from local volunteer cleanup groups participated. The activity, characterized as a commemorative event of the UN International Day of Peace, has marked its third year.
As a representative of the UPF, Mr. Kazunori Arase, Director of Publications, gave an explanation about the International Day of Peace. Referring to the day’s theme “Peace and Democracy: Make your voice heard,” Mr. Arase encouraged the participants and said, “Many youth around the world are leading democratic movements to promote peace. Let us send out a strong message that will help advance world peace through this cleanup activity initiated by youth.”
Much trash, such as bottles left behind by bathers, driftwood washed ashore, and abandoned car tires, were scattered on the beach. The participants gathered up the rubbish and separated them into seven categories under the guidance of the Kanagawa Coastal Environmental Foundation. The “Peace Rangers,” who are the image characters of the Youth Federation cleanup projects, brought additional excitement to the activity.
In addition to the cleanup activity, since many people lost their lives in the tsunami generated by the Tohoku earthquake, the participants encouraged the people at the beach to act quickly in case a tsunami hit the Wada-Nahama beach by drawing evacuation routes on a map.