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| The Future of Japan - Kenjiro Haitani |
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| Kenjiro Haitani engages the audience about issues facing Japanese society |
Prominent Japanese writer and long time supporter of Peace Boat, Kenjiro Haitani, delivered a thought-provoking and insightful lecture to over 350 participants of all ages. A former school-teacher, Haitani currently authors books about children but made a name for himself with his strident socio-political commentary throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The speaker urged the audience to contemplate a plethora of issues including the protection of minorities in Japan, absenteeism and violence in schools, and the questionable independence of Japan's three broadsheet newspapers. For example, Haitani queried the lack of scrutiny by Japanese journalists over the United States' nuclear capabilities and possible storage of weapons in Okinawa, in light of the current media fixation over Iraq. Haitani adopted a critical yet sanguine outlook on Japan's future. To avoid the mistake of blindly following the conventional perspectives of the media and politicians and ending up on the path to war, he implored Japanese society to become better informed and to learn to think critically and independently. Rather than ostracise alternative thinkers, society should acknowledge and value them. The hope for the future lies with the children of Japan, Haitani argued. It is the younger generation who use their minds creatively and freely question the nature of things, unlike older Japanese who tend to accept and conform to the established trends. The first discourse in the three month guest lecture series onboard Peace Boat was compelling, and provided extra encouragement to participants to take advantage of the many educational opportunities presently being offered. |
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| Soran Dance |
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| Dancing Soran-style on the deck |
Twice a day on the outside decks you can see dozens of Peace Boat participants chanting 'Soran! Soran! Dokkoi sho! Dokkai sho! ' as they dance and leap in the air in synchronised movements. Simple yet strong actions make the Soran dance a riveting sight. Full of enthusiasm and vigour, the dancers are practicing the contemporary version of a song traditionally sung by fishermen in Hokkaido, northern Japan. The story behind the modern day revival of this rhythmic tune, Soran Bushi is inspiring. About ten years ago, a high school teacher conceived the idea of involving delinquent students in an exciting performance that appealed to males and females equally, and also made students feel unified and empowered through creative expression. The result was not only an electrifying spectacle for any audience, but importantly, helped the disaffected students develop confidence and self-esteem. The Soran dance phenomenon has spread throughout Japan with the help of a movie and annual festivals. Our Peace Boat contingent of 50 dancers are upping the tempo as they prepare for an outdoor performance in Vietnam on 17 December. |
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40th 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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