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| The entire session was moderated by Tomonobu Fuchigami (Executive Producer, Harmony-Eyes Association). Fuchigami emphasized that we live in the age of Web 2.0, therefore we can be initiators and should make better use of the IT system. |
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During the symposium all of the panelists shared details of their international activities and discussed their methods for coping with various social issues around the world. |
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“We, IMPACT Repertory Theatre, founded 10 years ago, are youth activists who view the creative media arts and leadership training as a way to develop ourselves and change the world in a positive way. We are a youth activism and leadership program whose medium is performing arts, film and digital video. |
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“Harmony-Eyes utilizes the internet and other media outlets in the hands of professionals and ordinary citizens for the dissemination of images and information throughout the world, is a magnificent concept and will have great value to many people throughout the world. The Harmony Eyes Documentary Media Bank and its Interactive Participatory Festival can play a significant role in enlightening and inspiring the creation of a better world to live in.
The media is a very powerful and potent force and can be effectively used to do good deeds for the benefit of all people young and old. The world is constantly in a state of crisis and the goals of Harmony Eyes can serve a very meaningful role in bringing people together to make a difference. We are pleased to join Harmony Eyes in this effort. What is done with Harmony-Eyes is absolutely fantastic.” |
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“We are on the spaceship earth. There are no passengers, only crew members. And as crew members, each of us has roles to play and duties to perform. Now, we all have a brand, the earth brand. Harmony-Eyes will help us and our brand to value and ensure this symbol. The power of images cannot be underestimated or overestimated. But we need to remember that we have images that inspire images that console, images that build hopes and strengths, and images that give us a better sense of the others. There are too many hateful images out there. We need to correct them with our great faiths. Harmony-Eyes is a great tool that might make this happen.” |
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In 1971, there were no diplomatic relationship between China and Japan nor between China and the U.S. At that time, Dr. Watanabe, a member of the International Exchange Committee for the Japan Table Tennis Association, had difficulties in visiting China. However, he did manage to meet with Premier Zhou Enlai, and, as a gesture of friendship, assisted in arranging for the Chinese players to visit Japan. The Chinese team then went on to America to participate in a tournament. Through the cultural exchange of table tennis, Dr Watanabe tried to achieve the closer relationship between the U.S. and China . Finally, President Nixon opened the door to China. Dr. Watanabe shared that incredible experience with us. “Political power cannot change political affairs. Only the citizens with goodwill can change the political affairs. Each individual has a small amount of power and can and will get together to improve the society. As such an individual, I have been involved with a lot of global activities.” |
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Dr. Kim was one of the victims of the Kobe earthquake. He spoke eloquently how he was supported by everyone. “The Kobe incident should not be confined among Kobe people. We should share it with the future generations all over the world to create a peaceful world. To achieve it, media is a powerful tool to educate people creatively. Thus, Harmony-Eyes can extend this media system globally, utilizing video and Internet. And it is important to have dreams, because without dreams, nothing can happen. Harmony-Eyes is filled with our dreams.” |
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Mr. Fuchigami closed the symposium saying, “Most youths today are losing hopes and dreams and are in despair. We should not wait for someone to do, but each one of us should start doing. And another person will attract attention to us and it will become a movement. Please remember that we keep delivering messages to the next generations in 50 years, or 100 years.” |
| After the main symposium, the Awards Party which included the Ceremony of Harmony-Eyes Peace Awards and musical performances was held. It was such a memorable time that everyone was excited with laughter and impressed to tears. |
The party started with the performance of the Kobe Samba Team. All the young performers danced enthusiastically and cheerfully wearing fancy Hawaiian costumes and epitomizing the wonderful “KOBE” spirit. The entire venue became filled with the Hawaiian atmosphere.
In the middle of the party, Ayuri (the Japanese singer) and DJ Joe Claussell showed us a spiritual performance, expressing their desire for and belief in world harmony. |
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Harmony-Eyes Peace Awards were created by Harmony-Eyes Association in order to honor the figures involved with Harmony-Eyes for their achievements for peace and harmony. The first awardees were Dr. Kin Tae-Chang, Voza Rivers, Dr. Noel J. Brown, Thelonious S. Monk, Jr., and Cliff Frazier. Each received awards and flowers and gave outstanding speeches. |
This memorable party was coming to the climax.
“For all of you who have helped and endorsed us, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation. Without you, nothing could have happened or succeeded. Our “Wajju” Website will get more global. Please look forward to it!” |
| If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was alive today, he would enthusiastically endorse, support and participate in this great movement. |
| Harmony Eyes is leading the way, the new direction for humanity, so that we may enjoy the peace, so that we may enjoy the harmony that the great ones have given to us. |
| Kobe was completely devastated by the huge disaster but achieved an enormous recovery. I have been energized by your courage and passion. |
| A few days ago I came to Kobe as a guest. Tomorrow I will leave as a friend. |
| On January 17th, the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake struck - 6434 lives were lost. The Institution was established in April, 2002 in order for all the surviving citizens to send out their messages and share their experiences with future generations.. Currently the primary message of the Institute is to appeal to all peoples of the world for the preciousness of lives and the greatness of living together. |
| The recovery of Kobe was extremely miraculous. The Institution has a variety of exhibits which vividly shows the resiliency of Kobe City and its people.. |
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Through the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, the citizens of Kobe shared the pain of loosing lives, employment, relationships, towns, villages and memories in a single instant. However, with over 1 million volunteers coming from Japan and all over the world to assist the survivors, their efforts resulted in a voluntary citizenship that has awakened a sense of social conscience and has made Kobe a stronger city. The citizens of Kobe with their “never-give-up” sprit embraced the concept of volunteering and serving their communities. Only 11 years after the earthquake, Kobe has recovered as an international city. |
| We, Harmony-Eyes Association, deliver the messages of kindness, generosity, considerations, and friendships from Kobe. It was such a productive day that all the guests and staff felt the everlasting strengths and spirits of the Kobe citizens that reclaimed their city from the devastation. |
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Thank you for your wonderful presentation by your attentive staff and tour guides. When we were told that we were going to visit the museum I was trying to imagine what it would be like. When I arrived, I saw two wonderful buildings with its splendid architecture. I was overwhelmed by the beauty and magnificence of the buildings. Upon entering the museum's front door I knew that I was in for a meaningful experience.
The information disseminated on the grave Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake gave me and my colleagues, a true sense of the devastation that occurred in 1995. However, on the human side, the mobilization of resources from the businesses, citizens, and volunteers was phenomenal. One visit to your museums has changed my life forever and will bring me back to the great City of Kobe and your important institutions. |
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Words cannot express how deeply touched I was by the presentation at the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution. It was a memorable experience and a testament to the strong will and desire of the people in Kobe and volunteers from around the world who gave of their time to contribute to such a very worthy cause.
It was heartwarming to meet the survivors and listen to their personal stories of survival and determination during such a tumultuous time in their lives. We salute the citizens of Kobe for their ability to endure this hardship and to rise above it all. Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, they are positive role models for us all.
Thank you for inspiring us to be better citizens of the world. |
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As I entered the Disaster Reduction & Human Renovation Institution I was overwhelmed by the images of devastation, pain and suffering experienced during the Kobe earthquake.
I saw the great fear and desperation etched on the faces of the people. The images of the raging fires, the collapsed buildings and the people running frantically to escape will remain forever in my mind.
Yet in spite of the devastation, the people were not defeated as thousands worked together to rebuild this magnificent city. It is my great pleasure to celebrate the greatness of Kobe and its people in their recovery from this very devastating earthquake. The photos at the Institution dramatically displayed the recovery of Kobe. Kobe is an inspiration to all of us. It is a community built on determination with a proper mix of love and kindness. It is a miraculous story vividly told by the display at the Disaster Reduction & Human Renovation Institution. |
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