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Life Onboard |
LAST UPDATE
August 23, 2008
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| site design imagesparkle.com |
| July 30, 2008 |
In Pictures – Photo Tour III of Life Onboard |
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As the majestic fjords gave way to a deep fiery sunset, as friendships were sealed over the strumming of guitars, and as women wore their finest kimonos to drink Japanese tea, moments of magic were created on Peace Boat.
However, for a duration of the voyage, passengers were treated to another type of magic - where coins turned into spoons, balls disappeared into thin air and roses appeared from empty hats.
Shoot Ogawa started practicing magic at the age of ten, after his first visit to a magic shop in Japan. He now lives in the United States and has earned the title of Magician of the Year in 2003, 2006 and 2008.
He was accompanied onboard by his guru Masahiro Yanagida, a retired magician who now works as an adviser to young magicians. Mr Yanagida’s teachings include philosophy, communication and relationship skills. According to Mr Ogawa, understanding how to be personable off the stage is just as important as on the stage. “Unfortunately many magicians live off their talent, not their charm”, he said, “so they are limited in what they can achieve!” |
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During World War II, the southern islands of Okinawa were the first point of entry into Japan for American soldiers. Tens of thousands of civilians were killed as a result of the Battle of Okinawa, many of whom were the victims of forced mass suicide.
The Japanese Imperial Army is said to have brainwashed Okinawans' into believing that the US military would rape and torture them if they were caught, wanting to remove the obstacle of civilians. The Japanese Army commanded that suicide was the only option to stop this from happening. Furthermore, thousands of mothers were also forced to kill their babies, because the Japanese Army said the noise of a baby crying would expose their hidden location. As a result it is estimated that one third (approximately 200 000) Okinawan citizens died, including the mass suicides.
On June 23 1945, the Japanese commander-in-chief committed suicide, which brought an end to the organized resistance and defeat of Okinawa. This day has since become a day of remembrance for Okinawans. In keeping with this, a group of passengers organized events that allowed them to share their history and pain with all those onboard.
Toshiko Hirotani said, “many people go to Okinawa for its beaches or to see beauty. They don’t know how many people were killed or committed mass suicide. So the events were very useful to us in understanding about the condition in Okinawa at the time”.
The Japanese Government has always denied the act of brainwashing. In April 2007, the Ministry of Education announced that government-endorsed textbooks would revise their passages to say that Okinawans simply committed mass suicide through their own choice, or that they felt compelled to do so - removing references to Japanese soldiers. These proposed changes led to swelling anger in the Okinawan islands, cresting in the biggest protests in the last 35 years. |
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It’s hard to define Minoru Kamata. He is a medical doctor as much as a philanthropist, an aid worker and peace activist.
Dr Kamata's first medical appointment was at Suwa Central Hospital, 35 years ago. The hospital was in a dire state at the time with four million dollars in debt and no doctors. Through his diligence and hard work, Suwa Hospital now has the top rating for lifespan in Japan, a good rehabilitation centre and is very low in cost.
It’s this same passion that made Dr Kamata establish the Japan Iraq Medical Network (JIMNET) and the Japan Chernobyl Foundation (JCF). For the past three years JIMNET has sent four million yen in medicine per month to four children’s hospitals in Iraq. Since its inception, JCF has sent 89 medical teams to support the victims of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.
Dr Kamata has traveled the world to understand the complexities within which we live. He has been inspired by people who have lost everything, yet find the strength to continue, and he has been motivated by every child’s dream he can make come true. As one of the Global Article 9 Conference's most ardent co-initiators, he voiced his opposition to Japan’s Self Defense Force as a guise for ‘International Humanitarian Aid’. |
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An education session was held on June 28, to recognize and educate passengers about the Stonewall Inn riots of 1969, the birth of the modern gay liberation struggle. Later in the night, a more informal discussion session was held with a smaller group of passengers, who shared their ideas, experiences and concerns.
Educator and Global English Teacher Dave Cooper said, “we wanted people to be aware that the gay struggle is very much a struggle for human rights. In Japan, gays and lesbians are not recognized in society, so it is important that Japanese people are given the opportunity to confront these social norms, because this is the only way that change will be initiated”. |
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As Peace Boat sailed into the Pacific, passengers were energized with the spirit of Gospel, the soul of R'n'B and the heart of Jazz! Leading the choir was Ann Sinclair, accompanied on the piano by music therapist and composer Naoko Ono. While not performing at international events or at churches, Ms Sinclair entertains the crowds at New York’s Cotton Club.
On the Peace Boat, the team held a series of singing workshops, culminating in a final gospel choir performance with over 200 passengers. They were joined by the ship's band ‘Banana Fudge’. |
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On July 10th, over 100 passengers who had been working hard to organize events for Earth Day were able to share their eco advice through arts, music, videos and games.
Eco-friendly products were sold along with Fair Trade Mango in support of stopping child prostitution in the Philippines. Passengers printed their own T-shirts, and made eco-badges and chop stick holders. At dinner, organic Nagomi rice made in Mie prefecture as well as dessert made from Fair Trade Mango was served.
The profits, totaling around 120,000 yen, were donated to the ‘Galapagos Reforestation Project'. This project, initiated by Peace Boat, is being conducted in cooperation with the Darwin Research Center since May 2007. |
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