Ten years ago, today, on December 7, 2011, in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, Reiyukai America hosted the “US-JAPAN Leadership Peace Forum 2011 -Embrace the Past, Nurture the Future.” in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.
Young Reiyukai leaders from both US and Japan gathered to discuss how to establish world peace that we can proudly pass to our descendants, how we can apply the teachings of Reiyukai, and what things should the young generation do to achieve this very important goal. Prior to the forum, the participants have attended the 70th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration. Afterward, they went to the USS Arizona Memorial to join the flower tribute, where both Reiyukai America donated a flower wreath.
During the conference, each of the participants have shared their understanding of peace, and the meaning of the war between US and Japan based on what they have learned in school and living in their country. It was a discussion where there is no single correct answer. However, each participant expressed their thoughts based on their experiences and also have stated what would be the first step that they would take for the establishment of world peace. The meaningful two and a half hours spent went by so fast, but at the same time, it was a moment that each of the participants was able to understand more about the others.
After the conference, both young leaders from the US and Japan were able to learn new ideas about their own country and about the other’s country. They have concluded with a promise that each of them will start taking action to improve their society and continue with the dialogue.
It was a moment for everyone to realize that this is an international team that will work for the realization of world peace. With a strong promise in their heart, each of the participants left Honolulu.