The Goi Peace Foundation was invited to present the World Peace Prayer Ceremony in Itoman City, Okinawa on December 17, 1999, as part of a three-week outdoor festival called Itoman Peaceful Illumination. Sponsored by the City of Itoman, the last battlefield of World War II, the festival was dedicated to sending out the message of peace to the world at the turn of the millennium.

Many citizens gathered in the mile-long Nishizaki Shinsui Park illuminated with 1.3 million light bulbs (the same number as the Okinawa population) representing the citizens’ collective wish for world peace. With the Governor of Okinawa and the Mayor of Itoman City in attendance, local school children proudly led the entire ceremony, acting as peace prayer leaders and flag bearers. The Goi Peace Foundation President read a message received from the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which praised the festival for its contribution in spreading a culture of peace.

In December 2000, the World Peace Prayer Ceremony was again held during the 2nd Annual Itoman Peaceful Illumination, this time as the grand opening.