From September 2 through September 10, 2000, the Japan Culture and Art Festival was held in Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. A delegation of the Goi Peace Foundation headed by chairperson Masami Saionji was invited to attend this festival as honorary guests.

The delegation took part in the opening festivities, which featured the release of balloons and doves as symbols of peace, Mongolian singing and dancing, Mongolian wrestling, as well as traditional Japanese street performers. The highlight of the day was a mass World Peace Prayer Ceremony involving 10,000 local citizens. This ceremony was initiated by Mr. Zhang Yong Sheng, head of the Japan-China Ahure Business Corporation and supporter of the Goi Peace Foundation. Participants included the President of the People’s Government of Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, and political and business leaders from both Japan and China. Local students presented national flags from around he world during the ceremony as the audience prayed for the peace and happiness of each nation. The ceremony ended with special prayers to promote friendship between Japan and China.

Commemorating the occasion, a Peace Pole was presented by the delegation to the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region. The entire event was broadcast on Chinese television.