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| Nationalism, Japanese Identity, Ethnic conflict -
Eiji Oguma - Oct 25 |
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| Eiji Oguma |
The recurring themes of identity and conflict were taken up in Eiji Oguma's discussions, part of the onboard lecture programme. A resident professor at Keio University's Faculty of Politics, Oguma reflected on a variety of issues, from Japanese identity to the genesis of nationalism, to an analysis of present-day Japan. Considering the subjects from a theoretical angle, Oguma opened up new ways of thinking for many participants, backing up his lucid arguments with a profusion of case-studies taken from a range of fields. In one lecture on the creation of ethnic divisions in colonies, Oguma explained how, by fostering animosity amongst indigenous and immigrant peoples, hatred was directed away from the imperial ruling elite. He also discussed how, even after the end of colonial rule, the class system created by the rulers continues, resulting in a legacy of friction between different ethnic groups. These ideas, concerning the emergence of ethnic conflict in developing nations, had direct relevance for passengers who heard testimonies from victims of racial hatred in the Latin American ports. Links could also be made to the presentations of the International Students and their experiences of conflict. |
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| Immigration, Tradition and Conflict in Peru - Juan Tokeshi - Oct 25 |
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| Juan Tokeshi |
His name reflecting the mix of cultures he embodies, guest speaker Juan Tokeshi, a third generation Japanese-Peruvian, gave participants an insight into the history of Japanese migration to South America, from how the predominantly Okinawan immigrants preserved their culture, to the current situation for descendents of the original settlers. Tokeshi dealt with initial problems of integration into Peruvian society, deportation to US concentration camps during WWII and the current reversal of migration flows back to Japan, where sixty percent of Peruvian migrant labourers are of Japanese descent. The lecture was punctuated with images of daily life for early immigrants and anecdotes from Juan's own experience growing up in a meld of cultures. Passengers had a further chance to learn about Peru in a presentation spanning all aspects of this "Land of Tradition and Conflict", from ancient civilisations to contemporary political and social struggle. Introducing the country through demographic statistics and slides depicting a mosaic of ethnicity, lifestyles and natural habitats, Mr. Tokeshi, an architect involved in slum development, also discussed how urbanisation, violence and oppression have resulted in a marginalised poor. Tokeshi concluded by appealing for the extradition of ex-president Alberto Fujimori, held responsible for a number of human rights violations committed during his regime. |
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39th Voyage index |
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PEACE BOAT is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. |
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