Citizens Unite for Peace in Osaka: HWPL’s Grassroots Peace Forum and Peace Walk Highlight Growing Local Engagement

As global conflicts continue to challenge communities around the world, citizen voices calling for peace are becoming increasingly important. In Japan—home to deep historical memories of war and long-standing regional tensions—these voices are gaining strength through grassroots initiatives led in cooperation with the international peace NGO HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light).

In November, Osaka’s civil society took center stage as citizens, students, workers, and community leaders participated in a series of HWPL-led peace events. These initiatives marked the continuation of the 11th Anniversary of the HWPL 9.18 World Peace Summit, held earlier in Cheongju, South Korea, and showed how HWPL’s peace philosophy is resonating organically among local residents across Japan.

A Citizen-Led Peace Forum in Osaka

On November 11, HWPL hosted the 9.18 World Peace Summit 11th Anniversary Citizen Peace Forum at the Sakai Industry Promotion Center in Osaka Prefecture.
Participants included citizens of various backgrounds—Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Myanmar nationals—ranging from university students to senior residents. Their central question was simple yet profound:

“If we unite as one, what kind of peace can we create together?”

Unlike peace discussions led by governments or military institutions, this forum was intentionally designed as a citizen-centered model, reflecting a growing trend in Japan where everyday people seek to reclaim peace as a public value rooted in community.

Attendees shared personal experiences of safety, discrimination, cultural diversity, and non-violent conflict resolution. The result was a clear consensus:

Peace is not a slogan; it is a daily choice made through small but meaningful actions.

Addressing Social and Regional Tensions Through Dialogue

A notable part of the forum was the discussion of long-standing regional issues, particularly the complex tensions surrounding Okinawa’s heavy burden of U.S. military bases.
Miura Shunichi, Vice Chair of the Nishinari Kamagasaki Labor Union, praised HWPL’s focus on youth and women’s participation and urged the public to examine Okinawa’s challenges through a peace-centered approach.

His remarks highlighted:

• Environmental and noise concerns

• Crime and safety issues

• Land disputes and forced acquisition

• Ongoing friction between Okinawa residents and the central government

The discussion drew attention to the structural inequalities that have shaped Okinawa’s modern history and emphasized the need for non-violent, community-driven solutions.

Stories of War Trauma Transform Into Motivation for Peace

Another powerful testimony came from Hiroshima peace guide Kazuya Kitagawa, who shared his grandmother’s fear that Japan might one day return to war.

Her emotional plea—“I never want to see my grandson dragged into a battlefield”—resonated deeply with participants and reminded them that peace is grounded in human relationships and the desire to protect loved ones.

These real-life stories reinforced why many Japanese citizens, especially younger generations, are stepping forward to participate in peace education, cultural dialogue, and community projects.

Action Plans for Local Peacebuilding

Participants concluded the forum by outlining practical strategies for advancing peace locally:

• Increase public discussions on human rights and regional issues

• Preserve war memories through intergenerational dialogue

• Study global examples to improve regional peace policies

• Launch small-scale community projects for multicultural harmony

• Strengthen links between local communities and international peace networks

These ideas reflect a shift in Japan toward bottom-up peacebuilding, led not by institutions but by citizens themselves.

Osaka Peace Walk: Youth Lead the Way

Earlier this year, on May 24, HWPL Kobe Branch held the 12th Anniversary Peace Walk for the Declaration of World Peace in Osaka.
Under the theme “We Are Peace Makers. Let’s Walk Together,” around 400 youth volunteers marched from Utsubo Park to Motomachi Naka Park, carrying handmade “Peace Fans” and sharing messages of unity.

Despite the rain, participants continued with determination—earning praise from Osaka Sayama City Councilor Hidetoshi Koshiba, who expressed renewed interest in HWPL’s peace initiatives.

The walk, held along the iconic Midosuji Boulevard, symbolized how youth-led action can inspire local communities and promote a culture of peace.

A Growing Citizen Peace Movement in Japan

The peace discussions and walks held in Osaka represent more than isolated events—they reveal a rising movement where ordinary citizens actively reshape their communities through understanding, dialogue, and collective responsibility.

Through initiatives like these, HWPL continues to support a vision of peace that starts with individuals, grows within local communities, and ultimately connects nations.

Source: https://vo.la/7bQ8uA3