Life Onboard LAST UPDATE  January 6, 2010
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December 10, 2009 In Pictures V – The Global Voyage for a Nuclear-Free World: Peace Boat Hibakusha Project
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The Global Voyage for a Nuclear-Free World: Peace Boat Hibakusha Project was a core focus of the 67th Voyage. Onboard activities culminated with Orizuru Day on December 5 (orizuru is the Japanese word for a paper crane). Participants constructed this replica of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Dome to commemorate the day. Ooka Kakeru, who worked with the Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) on the voyage, said just learning was not enough. He calculated that if every participant onboard told ten people about what they had learnt from the Hibakusha, they could raise support of 4,000 people against nuclear proliferation.
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Inspired by the work of performance troupe Arenas y Esteras in Peru, participants who took part in an exchange with the group organized a colorful parade onboard Peace Boat. Arenas y Esteras was founded during the 1980s civil conflict in Peru to bring back laughter to the streets of Villa El Salvador.
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Art took center stage on December 7. Here several participants collaborate on a live painting to capture the meaning of Earth Day. Peace Boat staff member and artist Kakeda Tomoko explained that much of the satisfaction in live painting comes from the process rather than the end product - though it too can be rather beautiful.
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The Dance, Dance, Dance Contest on December 2 was the perfect opportunity for participants to demonstrate the results of three months of dance workshops onboard the 67th voyage. Salsa, belly dance, hula, pop, hip-hop and breakdancers competed for the top prize.
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With only two days left onboard, participants danced the night away at the Farewell Party on December 9. Friendship was the watch word for the evening as participants, staff and crew reflected on their journey around the world together. While many embarked upon the Peace Boat voyage alone, few would leave without friendships that will last for years to come.