#Japan #Yokohama #Nuclear Disarmament #Peace Activism #Youth Engagement

Exploring the Meaning of Peace in the Age of Nuclear Weapons

On May 18, 2025, the Pal System Kanagawa will host a significant event titled “Let’s Understand War and Make It Our Concern” at their headquarters in Shin-Yokohama and online. This event aims to facilitate discussions on peace, the importance of disarming nuclear weapons, and the individual responsibilities we all share in advocating for a peaceful future.

Insights from Diverse Generations

The event features an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Yuuta Takahashi and Suzuka Nakamura, born in 2000 and who have no firsthand memories of war, along with Ikuko Wada, who was exposed to the atomic bomb at the tender age of one year and ten months. These individuals bring fresh perspectives to the conversation about peace and share their unique experiences in peace advocacy.

Takahashi, who comes from Hiroshima, serves as the executive director of the nonprofit organization Katakawa in Yokohama, where he is known as a “nuclear abolition negotiator.” Nakamura, hailing from Nagasaki, is a director for the Borderless Foundation in Tokyo, collaborating with various activists committed to creating a peaceful world. Wada serves as the deputy secretary-general of the Japan Atomic Bomb Victims Association, where she recounts her mother's harrowing experiences during the atomic bombing of Nagasaki both domestically and internationally.

As these speakers, alongside Natsuko Yang, the executive officer responsible for peace activities at Pal System Kanagawa, engage in dialogue, they will share their motivations for their respective endeavors and the importance of passing down experiences of war and resilience to future generations.

Engaging the Audience

Participants will actively engage with questions such as “When do you feel happiness?” using their own words to relate these feelings to the ongoing global issues surrounding war and nuclear weapons. The aim is to foster a personal connection to the topic and inspire actionable thoughts towards attaining peace. After the online event, attendees will be invited to discuss their reflections and shared feelings about the discussion. High school peace ambassadors from Kanagawa are also anticipated to join, emphasizing the importance of cross-generational dialogue on the significance of peace.

The Current Nuclear Threat

Globally, nine countries are estimated to possess approximately 1,200 nuclear warheads, with more than 3,900 of these weapons ready for immediate deployment. Amidst ongoing conflicts in regions like Ukraine and Gaza, the leaders of various nations have shown an alarming willingness to use nuclear arms. Even a single event could dramatically alter the peaceful daily lives of people in Japan.

The current geopolitical landscape, marred by military and economic rivalry among nations, contradicts global sustainable development goals (SDGs). In this context, the United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, recognizing the need for diverse participation in tackling poverty, hunger, and promoting social inclusion.

Through this event, Pal System Kanagawa aims to remind each citizen of the importance of understanding the current nuclear situation and embracing their role in advocating for disarmament during this pivotal year in history.

Event Details: “Let’s Understand War and Make It Our Concern”

• - Date: May 18, 2025 (Sunday), from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (Networking until 3:00 PM)
• - Location: Pal System Kanagawa, Shin-Yokohama Headquarters

(3-18-16, Shin-Yokohama, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama City)

• - Access: 4 minutes on foot from JR Shin-Yokohama Station; 1 minute on foot from the Yokohama Subway Shin-Yokohama Station (Exit 8)
• - Admission Fee: Free
• - Registration Deadline: May 8, 2025
• - Capacity: On-site 10 persons, Online 100 persons
• - Organized by: Pal System Kanagawa
• - Collaborating with: Nonprofit Organization Katakawa
• - For more details: Pal System Kanagawa Event

This year marks a poignant time in our global history as we reflect on the importance of peace and nuclear disarmament, and it’s crucial that we engage in these necessary discussions as a united community.