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（Japanese in comment section)
Our first program of the year was PEACE DIALOGUE ONLINE for AFS exchange students. This year, 27 students from 12 countries joined us.
Even online, we wanted to focus on dialogue. So we began in small breakout rooms, where students introduced themselves and talked about things like their names and favorite Japanese foods. This helped everyone relax and get to know each other.
In the main session, we took an online tour of Peace Park and the former Nakajima district, giving participants a sense of the lively city before the atomic bombing. Then, we listened quietly to a powerful testimony from our special guest, atomic bomb survivor Ms. Tanaka Toshiko. Many participants heard a survivor’s story for the first time, and it was a very meaningful experience for them.
During the Q&A session, many deep and thoughtful questions were asked, such as:
・What is something you fear might be forgotten by the world?
・What do you think should be done so that your testimony is remembered in the future?
・What made you decide to share your painful experiences with people around the world?
Ms. Tanaka shared a memorable message: “Looking at the current state of nuclear weapons and war in the world, it feels like a crisis. Peace does not come on its own. I hope young people will help build peace.”
In participant feedback, many shared moving thoughts, including:
“The story about the blue sky seen through a gap in the ceiling after the bombing stayed in my heart.” Hearing Ms. Tanaka’s testimony gave all of us great courage.
She always encourages us with the message:
“Make friends all over the world.”
In that spirit, we were happy to connect with students from many different backgrounds and take a step toward peace together.
Thank you so much to all the participants and the AFS staffs for this wonderful opportunity!
