Nippon Paint's Contribution to the Himeyuri Peace Memorial Project in 2025

Nippon Paint's Dedication to the Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum

In a remarkable show of community spirit and commitment to preserving history, Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. provided paint for a volunteer project at the Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum. This initiative took place from April 9 to 12, 2025, in Okinawa Prefecture as part of the Happy Paint Project, which aims to bring happiness through paint.

The Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum, situated in the southern part of Okinawa in Itoman City, was established on June 23, 1989. It serves to commemorate the harrowing experiences of female students who were compelled to serve as nurses during World War II, particularly amidst the intense land battles that unfolded on Okinawa. The museum endeavors to relay the importance of life and peace to future generations.

The Need for Restoration

Recently, the museum faced difficulties in securing funds for maintenance due to decreased visitor numbers, a challenge exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, a volunteer organization, NPO Paint Soul Painters, led by President Takuro Sasaki from Chiba Prefecture, proposed a project to repaint the museum's exterior ahead of the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. Agreeing with the noble intentions of this volunteer effort, Nippon Paint stepped in to provide the necessary paint supplies.

The day of the event witnessed the participation of 35 professional painters from the organization, who contributed their skills to ensure a meticulous restoration. Children accompanying the volunteer group also joined in, painting the exterior of a kiosk where flowers are sold to support the museum. This effort revitalized the museum’s appearance, which had not undergone a paint job since its inception.

Takuro Sasaki expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m glad we could carry out this volunteer painting in honor of those who suffered greatly during the war. This year marks an important milestone of 80 years since the war ended.” The museum’s director, Asaka Futenma, also shared her appreciation, acknowledging the intent behind the painting was rooted in a deep value for peace.

The Impact of the Project

Beyond the physical transformation of the museum, this initiative highlights the importance of collective community engagement in preserving historical sites, motivating others to acknowledge and learn from the past. The painting project not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the museum but also served as a poignant reminder of the importance of peace and the historical significance of the region.

President Sasaki and Director Futenma, along with the painters, were also honored with certificates of appreciation for their efforts and dedication to the project, underscoring the significance of volunteerism in contemporary society.

Future Initiatives

Nippon Paint remains committed to contributing to the preservation of facilities and historical sites through paint. Through initiatives like the Happy Paint Project, the company continues to engage in various community projects across the country, supporting local development and educational endeavors since its launch in 2017. Over the years, the project has seen 171 events with a total of around 10,900 participants, promoting a culture of painting that is fun and meaningful.

Event Overview

- Host: NPO Paint Soul Painters
- Date: April 9-12, 2025
- Location: Himeyuri Memorial Museum, 671-1, Ibarahara, Itoman City, Okinawa, 901-0344
- Participating Companies: Sankou Paint Co. (paint supply), Yokokawa Industries Co. (brushes and materials), Nippon Paint Co. (paint supply)
- Shared Resources: Japanese Painting Industry Association, Okinawa Branch
- Provided Paints: Perfect Filler (undercoat), Gransera Top 1 Liquid Water-based (topcoat)

For more information on Nippon Paint's CSR activities, visit Nippon Paint CSR. Follow the Happy Paint Project on Instagram: @happypaintproject_nipponpaint.