NEWS

Peacebuilding: A study tour of Okinawa

Update: May 11, 2023

A peacebuilding study tour in Okinawa was organized by Vindu Mai Chotani (Assistant Professor by Special Appointment at the Social Science Research Institute and Department of Politics and International Studies, International Christian University), along with the support of project coordinator, Yuki Moritani (Research Institute Assistant, Social Science Research Institute, International Christian University. It was held between 15 (Wed.) and 17 March (Fri.), 2023, and attended by seven selected students from the undergraduate course 'PCS201 Peace and Human Rights'. This study tour was funded by the Japan International Christian University Foundation (JICUF).

Formerly the Ryukyu Kingdom, the Okinawan archipelago has had and continues to embrace a unique history, identity, and culture. In addition to this, since the end of the Pacific War and continuing till date, Okinawa houses and inequitable 70.3 percent of all U.S. bases in Japan. This history has for decades posed significant challenges to Okinawans. Shaped by these arduous experiences, Okinawans have been adamant supporters of peace, and carry with them a strong desire to promote it, build it and share the importance of it.

The JICUF-funded Okinawa study tour aimed to introduce International Christian University (ICU) students to Okinawa, and enhance their awareness of peace-building, diversity, and inclusivity in Japan. On the agenda were visits to historical sites and important cultural heritage sites. ICU students alongside students from the Okinawan Christian University (OCU) attended a lecture hosted at OCU. Finally, the students from both ICU and OCU had the opportunity to participate in an exchange meeting held at the ICLC Japanese language school in Oroku, Okinawa where currently four Ukrainian refugees are currently studying Japanese.

The following report shares and details the observations, experiences, key takeaways and questions raised by the participants during the study tour.

For the further details, please read this report.