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On 14 May 2023, I gave a lecture at the Uwajima Citizens’ College Lecture held at Paphiopedilum Uwajima. It was organised by the Uwajima City Lifelong Learning Centre (planned by the Nanyo Citizens’College) and the theme was ‘A citizen of Uwajima who presented the Peace Bell to the UN’.

Around 20 citizens attended the event. After the lecture, I was very happy to hear from the participants about the actual personality of Chiyoji Nakagawa, who said that they were so moved by his Peace Bell activities at the time that they made a donation, and that they remembered a story they heard when Chiyoji was PTA president, which made me feel that I must do even more.

Ms Michiko Kuroda of the Association for Documenting the Uwajima Air Raids displayed wartime relics at the venue, reminding us once again of the importance of peace activities.

Representative: Seiko Takase

　　　　　

On 13 May 2023, the Akamatsu Prize was awarded at the general meeting of the World Federalist Movement of Japan, with President Mr Mitsuo Ohashi presenting the Akamatsu Prize. The Akamatsu Prize was established in 1971 to commemorate the achievements of the late Ms Tsuneko Akamatsu, former vice-president and head of the Women’s Department of National Federation of Textile Industry Workers’ Unions. Since then, the award has been presented to women who have contributed over the years to the improvement of women’s status, the labour movement, the peace movement and local social welfare.
 I am delighted and humbled to have been nominated by Mr Hirotaka Kido, board chairman of the World Federalist Movement of Japan, to receive the Akamatsu Award.
 I would like to thank everyone who has supported us and will continue to do my best.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Representative: Seiko Takase

　　　　　　

On May 3, With the help of Yoko Takigawa, a member of the Association for the Protection of the UN Peace Bell and lecturer at the Japanese Department of Sofia University, Bulgaria, we gave a lecture on the UN Peace Bell to the students of the Japanese Department.

The lecture started at 6pm local time and was given remotely in Japan at midnight.

In addition to the students, Borislav Iliev, who found the 1kg replica of UN Peace bell on his pilgrimage to Shikoku, attended the lecture. And those who helped us with the world peace flag ceremony (WPFC) in Hiroshima(WPFC) last year also attended via ZOOM, and the lecture was accompanied by a projection of the presentation of many pictures about the history of the bell.

Dr. Stella Zhivkova was the main interpreter, and the fourth-year students took turns to try their hand at interpreting. Ms Takigawa emailed me to say that everyone listened intently, discussed and asked questions. We are looking forward to receiving comments and other information later on.

We would like to thank the Head of Japanese Studies Department Vice-dean of the Faculty of Classical and Modern Philology, Prof Gerkana Petkova, who gave the final address, and we thank her so much for her efforts. After the lecture, everyone rang the replica that Mr. Iliev brought with him. A new connection with Bulgaria was made successfully.

　　　

On April 29, Representative Seiko Takase, Director Masaaki Taniyama and Director Michio Takai participated in the Carp Streamer Event at Osaka Expo ’70 Commemorative Park.

The head of the Global Cultural Symbol ‘Koinobori’ Project, Professor Tetsu Nakamura of the Momoyama Gakuin College of Education, is a member of the UN Peace Bell of Peace Preservation Association and has been cooperating with the Association’s activities.

The event took place in the square where the UN Peace Bell was presented by Chiyoji Nakagawa. A magnificent 10′ koinobori (carp streamer) was hoisted on a pole next to the park’s symbol, the Tower of the Sun, while a koinobori by artist Taro Okamoto and a koinobori on which children had written messages were hoisted on a pole by the Expo Pavilion.

The event started with an opening speech by Professor Nakamura, representative of the Koi Nobori-no-kai, followed by a speech by Representative Takase, and Shinji Tokunaga, the chairman of Tokunaga Koinobori Co.. The participating children wrote messages on small carp streamers, rang the 4 kg bell of the UN Peace Bell and enjoyed making large soap bubbles.
 The UN Peace Bell at Osaka Expo ’70 Commemorative Park was cleaned up after the damaged roof of the bell tower was re-thatched and the ceiling was replaced.

　　　　　　　　

On 3 February, we visited Toda Shoji Ltd. We presented them with a letter of appreciation and a trophy for their warm understanding and great contribution to the peace activities of the Association for the Preservation of the UN Peace Bell over many years.

Vice-President Hidehiro Suzuki, Vice-President Hiromi Nohara, General Manager Hiroyuki Nakamura and Kentaro Suzuki of the Audit Department attended the meeting. Seiko Takase, Representative of the Association, presented a letter of appreciation and a trophy to Vice-President Nohara.

The trophy was designed by Mr Kazufumi Nagai, President of Hakuhodo Design Inc, who was introduced by Mr Mitsuo Tomari, a member of the Association’s Board of Directors, and is made of crystal. The symbol engraved on the trophy represents the sound of the Peace Bell echoing across the world’s five continents, praying for peace.

We are grateful for their contribution to our activities.

 

　　

On March 9, We visited Seikei Junior High School and gave a talk in the classroom. Seikei Junior High School is a private integrated junior and senior high school with a history of 100 years. The junior high school has a special research group “UNESCO School”. Mr. Miyamoto, the advisor of the group, had contacted us to ask about the background of Mr. Chiyoji Nakagawa’s creation of the UN Peace Bell, his passion for the bell, and the story of Ms. Takase, who had watched over her father.

The school had a free and cheerful atmosphere. The teachers and students welcomed us warmly and listened to us attentively. We had so many questions about what we can do for peace, what it means to love others, etc., that there was not enough time to talk. I could feel the energy of the students.

At the end of the session, the students rang the bell one after another and worshipped one another, which made me smile.