| September 26, 2009 |
In Pictures I – from Yokohama to Mombasa |
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September 9, 2009 was Article 9 Day onboard. Peace Boat has long been promoting the Article 9 of the Japanese constitution as a concrete mechanism for peace and conflict prevention. Article 9 renounces military aggression and prohibits the maintenance of armed forces. Among the events held onboard to mark the day was a reading of Article 9 in the different dialects of Japan. Kabayama Emiko from Kagoshima was one of several presenters who entertained participants with Japan’s linguistic diversity even as they reflected on the urgency of protecting and expanding peace constitutions. |
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Bright Yukata and Happi (traditional Japanese robes) replaced jeans and T-shirts on September 14 as Peace Boat’s Summer Festival got into full swing. Complete with a portable shrine and delicious summer treats, it was easy to forget that participants were miles away from Japan in the Indian Ocean. Among the events of the day were yukata and karaoke competitions, a haunted house and a Taiko (traditional drumming) performance. In true Japanese fashion, the day came to an end with a traditional Bon dance that saw participants of all ages and nationalities moving in unison. |
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Three students from Sung Kong Hoe University in Korea are onboard the 67th voyage as part of Peace Boat’s IS (international Students) Programme. The students Park Sodam, Kim Kilwha and Lee Kyung-min (second left to right) have been participating in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Training Programme. In addition to their studies, they have been sharing Korean culture with their fellow participants. Here they show Yanase Chieko (left) how to play the Korean Jing. |
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Guest educator and reporter Kamata Satoshi encouraged Japanese participants on the 67th voyage to be more critical about the policies of their government. Onboard for the first quarter of the voyage, Mr Kamata explored the jury system recently introduced to Japan, and the laws governing temporary workers. In Japan, temporary workers have been the hardest hit in the economic downturn because they have very little protection against dismissal. |
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There is something for everyone on Peace Boat. Here participants sharpen their ballroom dancing skills in one of the many events onboard organized by participants themselves. Self-planned events on the 67th voyage have included break-dancing, poetry readings, handicraft, belly dancing, ukulele and harmonica lessons, soccer, baseball and tennis as well as Tai Chi. |
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Maeda Tetsuo, another veteran journalist, is an expert in the area of military conflict. Mr Maeda has made several presentations on the struggles affecting the regions on the 67th voyage itinerary. Here he talks with participants in the MDGs Training Programme about the need for states to cut military spending and re-invest their resources in human and common security in order to improve the quality of life of their citizens. |
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Saying goodbye to Kenya was an emotional experience for many participants. Many of them had spent the last year raising funds to assist Mtwapa Village in Mombasa and cherished their two days spent sharing smiles in person with the children of the village. The farewell also marked the end of the journey for Peter Band, the Kenyan ensemble who spread the joy of African music and dance onboard ahead of Peace Boat’s arrival in Mombasa. |
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