Year 2010 was the tenth anniversary of my first visit to the Philippines.
Therefore, it might be appropriate to announce this year 2011 as the first steps of our new beginning.
"I’ve never wanted to see any Japanese!”
These words thrown to me by a Filipina victim of the Pacific War in this first visit prompted me to start an organization BFP, Bridge for Peace.
What could I do as a Japanese?
As I considered this question, I eventually came up with an answer, which was to deliver local Filipino people messages from Japanese veterans.
New encounters were born through this project so that I gradually became confident of the positive energy obtained through establishing "exchanges” and “bonds"
We continued our activities of delivering messages by film shows followed by Q&A sessions both in the Philippines and Japan during the past seven years, which expanded the circle of communication.
2010 was the year in which our group gained the status of corporate body, giving a good opportunity to look back and reflect on ourselves.
In addition, I was invited to present a film and to speak at an international forum in Canada, a new country for me, where I could meet with NPO members from various countries and discuss our activities with them.
This experience made me realize,
“Japanese people absolutely must share knowledge on Japan’s Asia Pacific War as a common factor of our education.”
Welcoming advice and suggestions from friends, supporters and professionals, our organization has decided on our policy of developing projects, with Education and Workshop as leading concept.
BFP in 2011 is going to construct foundation on which we will be able to
provide seminars entitled,
“Workshops to know the Asia Pacific War and seek hints for Future Approach."
