On 12 September, 2025, Representative Takase and Director Katsura attended the “Ringing Ceremony of the UN Peace Bell” held at UN Headquarters.
Secretary-General Guterres appealed, “Civilians are suffering in the wars between Israel and Palestine, and Ukraine and Russia. We must act now for a peaceful world.” Secretary-General Guterres and Representative Takase joined hands, walked together to the Peace Bell, and rang it together. In response to media questions, Takase stated, “I hope the 80th year since the war’s end will be a good one, but the world doesn’t seem to be heading that way. I think it would be good if we could consider peace not from the standpoint of each country, but from the standpoint of each individual. I especially hope for a world where all children can smile.”
The previous day, She was invited to and attended a dinner reception at the official residence of Ambassador Yamasaki of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the UN. It had been a year since she last met the Mrs. Yamazaki, and they enjoyed such pleasant conversation that they lost track of time.
(Some photos: Provided by the Permanent Mission of Japan)
