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Life Onboard |
LAST UPDATE
January 23, 2006
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| site design imagesparkle.com |
| January 7, 2006 |
In Pictures – Photo Tour II of Life Onboard |
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Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution declares: “Aspiring sincerely to an international peace… the Japanese people forever renounce war… and the threat or use of force. [Therefore], land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential will never be maintained”. Written in the aftermath of World War II, controversy over Article 9 has not diminished throughout the years and governmental adherence to the letter of the law remains arguably questionable. Despite clearly prohibiting the maintenance of military forces, Japan currently ranks (at least) fifth in the world in terms of military spending for its Self-Defense Forces. An open forum was held onboard about whether Article 9 has become antiquated, and whether Japan should formally recognize its military. Pictured are the four panel members who led the discussion (from left to right): Peace Boat staff members Carl Shephard and Stacy Hughes, as well as guest lecturers Charles McJilton and David Lucas. |
site design imagesparkle.com |
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International Director Ai Onodera leads a workshop known as What if the World was a 100-person Village? This highly demonstrative activity allows participants to visualize some of our world’s imbalances, among which wealth, population, and resource distribution stand out. |
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Peace Boat participants practice Poi during a workshop onboard. An ancient form of battle training by the Maori indigenous people of New Zealand / Aotearoa in which two balls are swung simultaneously, Poi has gained much popularity around the world. |
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Peace Boat staff member Stacy Hughes explains the atrocious health consequences brought about by depleted uranium weapons, notably during both Gulf Wars and NATO bombing of the former Yugoslavia. Also featured far right on slide, Stacy related his experience in Iraq during early 2003 as part of a Peace Boat delegation, as well as the origins and results of both Gulf Wars in Iraq. |
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Celebrated on January 15 in Japan, the Coming-of-Age ceremony (seijinshiki) symbolizes the transition into adulthood on one’s twentieth birthday, a time when the abilities to vote, smoke, drink alcohol as well as marry without parental consent are bestowed. A group of 23 Peace Boat participants celebrated with their peers while enroute to Africa. As is the case in many ceremonies, older generations take this opportunity to advise and remind the newcomers about the responsibilities that come with social maturity. |
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