A Message for the Future
Children of the world should join hands

The first issue of Peace Seeds ("Hiroshima Koku" in Japanese) was published in January 2007. Since that beginning, this newspaper has reported on a wide range of issues beyond the atomic bombings and war, from such global concerns as child soldiers and refugees to problems closer to home, like bullying in schools, the euthanizing of animals, and the depopulation of rural areas. Over this time, Peace Seeds has continued to ponder the idea of peace from a variety of viewpoints, exploring how we can build a more peaceful and happy world for all.

For this, the commemorative 100th issue, we interviewed Shigeaki Hinohara, a well-known doctor and the chairman of St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo. Fittingly, Dr. Hinohara just turned 100 years old this month. We asked him his thoughts on peace and his hopes for children today. Along with this interview, we share some messages of encouragement from individuals and organizations that have appeared in previous issues of Peace Seeds.

"You yourself have the power to build peace and lead this effort"

Kiyotaka Akasaka,

Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information

Rumiko Seya,

Secretary General of Japan Center for Conflict Prevention (JCCP)

Miho Cibot,

peace activist in France

Salil Shetty,

secretary general of Amnesty International

Be Aware / Listen /
Learn / Take Action

Minako Iwata, 18,

Serving as a junior writer since the first issue

Peace Seeds to join Chupea Festival in November

To commemorate the 100th issue of Peace Seeds, the junior writers will take part in the 繝ｻ011 Chugoku Shimbun Chupea Festival繝ｻto be held on November 5 in Chupea Park in the city of Hatsukaichi. At this event, we will share the history of Peace Seeds, from the first issue to the 100th, and ask visitors to help make a banner with messages of support to be sent to the earthquake-stricken area of eastern Japan and contribute ideas for reading cards for our game 謦､eace Karuta.繝ｻAt 2:40 in the afternoon, the junior writers will discuss their activities, including examples of their coverage and stories behind the scenes. We look forward to seeing you there.

Displaying a banner from Sendai

In issue 92 of Peace Seeds, we reported on the message banner that the junior writers sent to the earthquake zone in June. In return, we received a banner from Tsutsujigaoka Elementary School in the city of Sendai. On this banner are written messages from students, parents, and local residents. We plan to display this flag at the festival on November 5.

about Peace Seeds

Peace Seeds is a virtual peace garden where young people can plant seeds of peace in order to grow a more hopeful life. Thirty junior writers explore peace-related issues and report on how we might create a more peaceful world.