1. Not too much poltic's and certainly other International diplomatic and war issues other than Iraq.. The world and I are growing tried of a situation that can't be stopped. We only add to the fever and the magnamity of the consequences by adding to the pre-war fever.
2. Sharing views of the current world situation. And specifically learning about the way some Japanese people feel about N. Korea and Iraq.
3. i want to see japanese young people learning about what is going on in the rest of the world and developing strong opinions on it, and also i would like to see some gaijin conveying that we in fact do not like or support bush, and in fact loathe him.
4. Information about the war and environment that can be experienced in many forms - individual, group, art, music, personal testimonies.
5. I think it would be great if we could have conversation groups. You know how they have things which start every hour or something? if we had two moderators (one of whom could translate into English) maybe we could bring up a controversial topic and try to talk about solutions to it together (for example, the iraq issue). Personally, im trained in conflict resolution (though lacking on the japanese speaking side of things) so id be happy to help out in any areas that require that kind of training
6. Don't really know what to expect. Lots of people having a giggle & getting along would pretty much meet the aim of the event. That & obviously some awareness stuff but I imagine it'd be more comfortable to atke an environmental / greenpeace style approach rather than getting deeply political & possibly argumentative (ie not peaceful).
7. A better understanding for all that come including myself and what it is we can do to help the situation. I'd also like to convey as an American that we are not all for war and there are other ways to settle this without taking the lives of innocent people.
8. I would like to see Bryan running down Kunitomi High street naked with his pants on his head screaming "My office sucks cock!" or something a little more conservative.
9. I'd like everyone who attends to come away w/ two things: 1. the assurance that they are NOT ALONE in there queat for a peaceful society. 2. brainstorming ideas (peace promoting of course) that each participant can PRACTICALLY incorporate into their life practice. ps. this took a little more than 2 minutes. just bustin' ya'.
10. Participation by local Japanese activist organizations (there`s an Land Mine awareness group made up of Miyazaki college students, JP has their contact info). Education/Speeches/Booths explaining why this kind of rally is important. What is a Peace Rally? What does our participation mean both in Miyazaki, Japan and in a broader global context? Benefits of Peace and inter-cultural understanding; successful examples of political activism, peaceful conflict resolutions.
11. Open people:s minds! Teach them stuff/have them come away with ideas that they may have never encountered before. Create AWARENESS of international and local issues - I find many Japanese people are either misinformed or completely unaware of many world issues.
12. The point, I think, is to make the surrounding community to get involved in a positive way to convey the desire for peace, not war. Also, introducing the community to what a peace rally is and passive protesting, is a great way to internationalize Miyazaki.
13. Active participation from everyone to create an active and fun day. Conversation between all nationalities about why we are all there. To address and think about peace, the relevance of which is part of all of our lives at this time. A celebration of the freedom to be creative.
14. i think environmental issues should be the focus of a different event. although it is important in politics as well... you can't educate about everything at the same time. art is important.. and can be a vehicle for promoting awareness but in this particular case... maybe not the most important factor of the rally... though it's based on peace, isn't it to educate people about what is going on in the world and at least be knowledgable enough to have a discussion about what should and should not occur (esp. regarding the iraq issue). but obviously... i do not want this event to turn into a america-bashing event. let's not mistake bush's actions as the will of the american people...
15. I would like to see that people are made more aware of global issues regarding peace and war and that they learn to feel empowered to do something and to voice their opinions. They do not have to promote peace, but they can at least learn about it.
16. a good time had by all! i think i mentioned rioting the last time i did this survey.
17. I would like to raise money for a tangible cause - landmines in Afghanistan, povery relief in southern Africa, etc. That way I feel I will have achieved something concrete at the end of the day. Obviously, I'm keen to raise awareness, too. I think this can best be achieved by focusing on ongonig projects in developing countries - Oxfam, Unicef, etc. I'm very anxious that while raising money, it's important not to present people in those countries as just passive recipients of aid. People can learn how they are being helped to help themselves. I'd be keen to know what you think the aims and the objectives of the rally might be. Kate
Richard Janutka
What are you doing with your freedom today? We are at the brink of war, one that will certainly upset the already delicate balance in the middle east. The cause for war is obvious, our (the West) addiction to fossil fuels... and the endless consuming greed of our society. You as well as my self are all to blame for the coming tragedy - I urge you to consider your everyday consumer decisions, and to educate yourself on minimizing your consuming impacts on the rest of the world. Our world is getting smaller, where the cause and effect rebound is becoming more and more obvious. A war now may be a prelude to global conflict (World War III).
Please ACT, good people must follow through with their hearts to maintain the balance in this world. We must stand together as a peaceful nation of FREE individuals. Many people have died, and continue to die fighting for the freedom we take for granted everyday... so what will you do with your freedom today?
I love you all and urge you to beleive in Peace, Rich.