The Goi Peace Foundation presented “Creating a Culture of Peace – World Peace Celebration 2000” on September 30, 2000 at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. Supported by UNESCO, the United Nations University, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan, the multicultural event was designated by UNESCO as a Flagship Event for the International Year for the Culture of Peace proclaimed by the United Nations. More than 10,000 guests attended, including members of the Imperial Family and Ambassadors and representatives of some 90 countries. Thousands more also participated through the live Internet broadcast.

The highlight of the event was the World Peace Prayer Ceremony in which all participants jointly prayed for peace in every country, while the Ambassadors, as well as young people, representing each country raised their national flag and proclaimed “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” demonstrating their common resolve to promote world peace.

The event also explored “Creating a Culture of Peace” through presentations of Japanese arts and culture, including a Tea Ceremony Dedicated to World Peace performed by Grand Tea Master Soshitsu Sen XV of Urasenke, a musical performance by two living national treasures — Bokusei Mochizuki on Tsuzumi hand drum and Reibo Aoki on Shakuhachi bamboo flute; as well as an Aikido demonstration by Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba.

The first Goi Peace Award was presented to Dr. James Lovelock, proposer of the “Gaia Theory,” who sent a moving video acceptance. The International Year for the Culture of Peace Award went to the Foundation for Cultural Heritage, for protecting and restoring world heritage sites.

The Minister of Education Encouragement Award was given to the winners of the International Essay Contest for Young People, who read their award-winning essays.

The occasion also marked the launch of the Declaration for All Life on Earth, proposing new principles for the creation of a Culture of Peace in the 21st Century. The Goi Peace Foundation President Hiroo Saionji called upon people in all fields to participate in this initiative, while Chairperson Masami Saionji spoke about the need for personal responsibility for all that takes place on our planet.

The stirring finale called “Celebration of Life” featured joyful singing and dancing by children from the American School in Japan (ASIJ) Choir, Mickey Junior Chorus, JUSCO Rhythmic Sportive Gymnastics Team and Ota-ku Girl Scouts, as well as a salsa-based rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth” by international singing star Nora.

As the huge earth ball ascended to the heavens in a glorious display of lights and music, ambassadors and guests all agreed that the World Peace Celebration had been a powerful demonstration of a Culture of Peace. Everyone left inspired to bring peace into their lives and the world.

Impressions:

“I would like to thank you sincerely for inviting my wife and I to this event. Spectators were breathless until the end. We greatly appreciated the entire presentation, from the tea ceremony, and the music of the two masters, to the children’s ballet. I was particularly moved by the ceremony of presentation of flags by children, which wonderfully symbolized the unity of the world in its diversity and our common responsibility so that the whole world may live in peace, understanding and solidarity.”

– H.E. Mr. A. O. Rafiou Barry, Ambassador of Guinea

“I was deeply moved. I have never seen the Japanese people so enthusiastic as the meeting today. When all the names of countries were called, I felt very sad that there are conflicts in about a third of the countries. These are mainly internal conflicts. We Germans too still have a problem of people not reconciling themselves to be an open country. I truly pray that these internal differences can be overcome… I think the international community is called to carry the flag of peace.”

– H.E. Dr. Uwe Kaestner, Ambassador of Germany

“I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the program. It was a special personal occasion, because, much like the children themselves, it was the very first time that I had the chance to personally fly Fiji’s National Flag. I wish to thank the Goi Peace Foundation whose very purpose and indeed every process revolves around the promotion of peaceful coexistence, for this and especially for the next generation of humanity.”

– Ms. Litia Mawi, First Secretary, Embassy of Fiji

“I enjoyed the celebration very much. It was a valuable opportunity to meet the honorable members of the Goi Peace Foundation, and I look forward to cooperating with you in your future events.”

– Mr. Saud Abdulaziz Al-Sowaidi, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of Qatar

“It was a wonderful ceremony. I saw a model of how Earth can be healed.”

– Ingeborg Kobel, Germany

“I am filled with emotions. I have no words to describe it. Everything was perfect. Everything was incredible.”

– Edam, Turkey

“I am honored that our students could take part in this wonderful ceremony. I was most impressed with the Flag Ceremony with the representatives of the world nations.”

– Peter Cooper, Headmaster of the American School in Japan

“I got to represent my country Ghana as a flag bearer. I hope today’s experience will benefit all the countries of the world. Everything touched my heart deeply.”

– Helena, Ghana

“The lighting effects were especially magnificent. I was also moved by the gratitude expressed toward nature. The screen of all the world representatives and national flags coming together was breathtaking.”

– Klara, Netherlands

“I am just so moved. I sincerely wish that the children will create a new era with their pure hearts.”

– Fujikichi Kikuchi, Chairman of Comprehensive Education Institute, Okinawa

“I performed in the rhythmic gymnastics team. It was a great feeling dancing on stage, and I enjoyed interacting with the other international performers of my age.”

– Miyuki Horiuchi, Chiba

“I am extremely inspired by the young people’s essays.”

– Yuriko Ninomiya, Toyama

“I was serving as an usher for the diplomats. I noticed that the expression of the ambassadors at the time of their departure was totally different from when they arrived. I think the national boundaries disappeared from their hearts after the ceremony.”

– Noriko Tatsuma, Yokohama

“It was a palpable experience of the oneness of humanity transcending all differences. I feel the innocence of a child reawaken in myself.”

– Guest from Kanagawa

“The children will carry forward what they learned here today. I will do so too. Thank you for teaching us a great lesson.”

– Mary, Canada

“I was amazed to see so many Ambassadors come together in the name of peace, and felt the magical power that made it happen. In the words of the Chairperson, ‘one step from you can change the world.’ I am inspired to take my first step forward.”

– Yoshitaka Kiuchi, Saitama

“It was a marvelous event showing the way to create world peace. It is time to eliminate the hatred and anger hidden in the minds of humanity, and this task must begin from the individual. We must start now, not tomorrow, because tomorrow is too late. And this program is the first step towards creating that awareness.”

– Ananda Welihena, Professor of Political Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka