Report by Mayors for Peace Secretariat
Mayors for Peace held the 12th Japanese Member Cities Meeting in the City of Musashino, Tokyo, on January 16 (Thu.) and 17 (Fri.). Over the course of two days, 177 participants from 100 cities across Japan gathered to discuss and exchange views on Mayors for Peace’s domestic initiatives, and share member cities’ peace efforts.
On the first day, Musashino City’s program, “Peace From Musashino”, featured various events, including a brass band performance by Musashino Third Municipal Elementary School, a screening of the city’s promotional video, a presentation on its peace initiatives, war survivor testimonies, and a lecture by photographer Ms. Yoshino Oishi titled “Overcoming the Tragedy of War”.
On the second day, the Deputy Mayor of Obu City, the Mayor of Hino, the Director of Kyoto City’s Comprehensive Policies, and the Mayor of Koga City shared overviews of their peace initiatives. Following that, the Secretariat presented reports on the financial results of the 2023 Mayors for Peace Membership Fee, the holding of the 11th General Conference of Mayors for Peace, and initiatives for the 80th atomic bombing anniversary.
Additionally, a request letter calling for action toward the abolition of nuclear weapons was submitted to the Japanese government. We also held deliberations and made decisions regarding the arrangements for developing peace education for the younger generation on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of WWⅡ period. The 12th Japanese Member Cities Meeting concluded with the adoption of a summary of the meeting.
Photo: courtesy of the Mayors for Peace Secretariat