Heiwa Koshina (Through Our Eyes)

HEIWA KŌSHINA THROUGH OUR EYES 平和行進 私たちの目を通して

“Through walking, we show to the world the conscience of the Japanese people.”

– Nishimoto Atsushi

the man who started the Peace March in 1958

In 1958, Mr. Atsushi Nishimoto, a monk from Hiroshima, decided to walk from Hiroshima all the way to Tokyo to attend the World Conference. Back then, the World Conference was usually held in Tokyo. He started alone and eventually many people joined as he passed through different cities, wards and prefectures along the way. When they reached Tokyo, their delegation was overwhelmingly large. From then on, the Peace March was held every year. There has never been a gap year. Ever.

For more than 50 years in Japan, citizens have been marching annually to protest nuclear weapons and plants use and after 70 years the survivors of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima Atomic bombing have been very active in the same demand but have been pushed beyond the margins and their calls. Japanese citizens have stood consistently with their resistance to foreign military facilities in their shores and lands. But world power and their elite rulers acted like they did not hear any resistance.

Valtimore Fenis

Lonely streets of Fukishima, after the nuclear plant fall out.

“...And their purpose, which really resonated with me, calls for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. Not so much so for themselves, but for the entire world. “ Raymond Lujan, Guam (2016)

Turnover in Osaka, 2016

Light comes in the form of people who desire and work for peace. I learned that peace is not necessarily present in the absence of war but in everything we do.

Peace can be achieved if we walk together in a single direction and collaborate for a meaningful future where respect is prevalent.

A.G. Sano

Marchers take a brief rest by the river in Miyagi, a site that was heavily battered by the great tsunami.

The Peace March has been consistent in its goal for the promotion of peace, justice, nuclear abolition, and many other social issues. It’s very inspiring to see a lot of people from all walks of life, all generations, and foreign delegates gather to promote peace and nuclear abolition. Magiting Fabros

I believe that the Sun is Here - in our struggles, in our collective efforts and We Shall Overcome, Someday. We cannot rely from others to bring us victory, except our own strengths -that is our collective and conscious actions.

Victory will always come to those who never stop making their dreams come true and critically view eventualities for appropriate actions.

Valtimore Fenis

This book is dedicated to every person fighting for peace and marching for a nuclear free world.

Thank you Gensuikyo for your efforts for peace.

WE WILL OVERCOME SOMEDAY.

私たちはいつか克服します