を支援する
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested a workshop with “Peace Buddies”—young people engaged in peace activities in Hiroshima. We were honored to host this meaningful dialogue session.
Following an introduction to PCV’s activities and personal presentations by Peace Buddies on why they are involved in peace work, we listened to deeply moving speeches from three invitees, who shared their families’ wartime experiences.
While many of us were aware of Japan’s role as an aggressor in history, this was the first time we had the chance to engage directly with former POWs and their families.
Hearing their voices in person was a profoundly valuable and emotional experience.
Here are some reflections shared by the Peace Buddies:
“Although Australia is known to be friendly toward Japan and many Japanese live there, I realized there are deeper shadows beneath that surface. Without this opportunity, I might never have known this history. I now want to broaden my perspective further, learn more, and think more deeply and multi-dimensionally about war and peace.”
“While listening to their stories, I couldn’t help but think: if Japan hadn’t started the war, these people and their families might have lived much happier lives. That thought was deeply painful and made me feel a strong sense of remorse as a Japanese citizen.”
Many Peace Buddies expressed similar feelings of sadness and pain upon learning about Japan’s wartime actions. However, among the speeches, there were also powerful and inspiring words, such as:
“Although I felt anger toward Japan for what my father had to endure, my father always said, ‘Japan is not the enemy. War itself is the true enemy.’
”This dialogue reminded us of the importance of continuously thinking about how we can prevent war and create peace, and of taking ongoing action toward building a better future.
We are truly grateful for this invaluable opportunity.
