I Will be Speaking at Yoyogi Park for Spring Love Event

I will be appearing and speaking at the following event of music and talk live (free) in Tokyo, Yoyogi Park on April 4th. Hope to see you there!
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Spring Love: The hottest urban party of the season!!

It’s back!! Spring Love (Harukaze) is making its second run in Yoyogi Park on April 3rd and 4th, promising a weekend extravaganza of top-rated musical and dance performances, film screenings, organic food and goods stalls, and talk sessions featuring peace-related social action. Come out and enjoy the cherry blossoms while feeding your mind and soul with some Spring Love!!

Date/Time: Saturday, April 3rd (1-8 PM) and Sunday,
April 4th (12-7:30 PM)
Venue: Yoyogi Park Outdoor Stage
Admission: Free!!

Event will feature:
■ Performances from numerous musicians and dancers
representing a variety of artistic genres
■ Peace-related talk sessions, films, and exhibitions
■ Events on two separate stages (Spring Stage and Love Stage)
■ Booths with literature from peace-related NPOs/NGOs
■ Spring Love Market with sales of various eco-friendly goods
■ Spring Love Kitchen featuring stalls with organic/ethnic foods
■ Live painting
■ Kids’ activities

Peace program:

Saturday, April 3rd

2:30-3:25 PM: Military bases and the role of the media

Panelists: Kobayashi Atsushi (director/producer of several military base related documentary films), Shiva Rei (freelance journalist who has reported from places including Iraq and Gaza), Navigator: Inada Hideaki (Solar Inc.)

4:35-4:50 PM: Hints for carving out natural, sustainable lifestyles in today's unnatural, unsustainable modern societies

Speaker: Ikue Masudo, formerly known as Takagi Saya(TV/film actor, free diver, owner of Furyu organic cafe/gallery) Navigator: Fukui Hiroshi (Peace Not War Japan music director, DJ)

4:50-5:50 PM: Why should Japan's Constitutional Article 9 (the peace clause) be protected?

Panelists: Matsumari Masumi (Peace Boat), Shiva Rei (freelance journalist), Kamebuchi Yuka (gospel singer, peace advocate)

8:30 PM〜: Documentary film screenings

“We don’t need bases anywhere!”, "ANPO" promotional clip, "Message from Yanbaru: A Documentary of Takae, Higashi Village in Okinawa", "Alternative Lifestyles: Learning from the European Squatting Movement", "Kukuru" (featuring a live performance from singer UA in Takae village, Okinawa)

Sunday, April 4th

2:00-2:45 PM: Listen to citizens' voices: No more wasteful, destructive construction!! Hear from activists working to stop the following projects in environmentally rich areas: a tunnel through Mt. Takao; a nuclear power plant in Kaminoseki; and a U.S. military base in Takae Village, Okinawa.

Panelists: Sakata Masako (Kenju no kai), Higa "Marty" Masato (documentary filmmaker), Yamato Taka (organic loquat farmer), Yamada Sei (peace/environmental activist and author)

3:30-4:25 PM: Building sustainable, non-militarized economies: examples of organic, small-scale, community-based alternatives to a military-dependent economy

Panelists: Kikuchi Yumi (Harmonics Life Center director, Tokyo Peace Film Festival producer, Japan United for a Ministry of Peace (JUMP) committee member), Tanaka Yu (Mirai Bank Director, Japan International Volunteer Center board member, ap bank member), Kosaka Masaru (organic restaurant/bar owner, writer, rice/soybean farmer)

5:10-5:25 PM: Kikuchi Yumi, a well-known peace/environmental activist, writer, translator, and international speaker, shares the latest information on 9/11-related issues, the Tokyo Peace Film Festival, and more! Navigator: Kimberly Hughes, Peace Not War Japan co-coordinator.

Musical performers:

Ikue Asazaki (traditional Amami Shimauta folk songs)
http://www.asazakiikue.com/profile.html

Sayoko meets YA MAN RIDDIM (funky reggae + djembe)
http://www.watonari.net
http://www.naradaisuke.com

Blues the Butcher-590213 + Leyona (rock/soul/reggae/blues)
http://bls-act.co.jp/artists/bluesthe-butcher-590213
http://www.leyona.net/bio.html

Rakita (acoustic groove)
http://www.myspace.com/uheheheoregarakitada

Yuppi & Tane (elementary school aged singer/songwriter!)
http://www.conisis.com/yuppi/

Rabirabi (percussion/voice duo)
http://www.rabirabi.com/about%20R/about_R.html

Ailie (roots reggae)
http://www.roots1music.com/ailie/index_main.html

nam

GOCOO ＋ GoRo
11-piece wadaiko (Japanese drum) ensemble

Kamebuchi Yuka and Voices of Japan (VOJA) (gospel)
http://www.tmp-voja.co.jp/index.html

Mika Arisaka (jazz)
http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/-/Profile/A014076.html

SandiiBunbun with Earth Conscious and Hula All Stars (Hawaiian)
http://www.sandii.info

The Tchiky's (Acoustic/Afrobeat/Dub)
http://nbsa.info/site/?p=1012

Takeru (reggae)

Fukugawa Baron Club (Indonesian gamelan)

YOSHIE (belly dancing)
http://ameblo.jp/bellydancer-yoshie/

Uranagel (folk)

Jintaramuta (fusion unit blending Japanese traveling street
protest music together with elements of modern jazz)
http://www.cicala-mvta.com/profileenglish.shtml

Abdallah
http://yaplog.jp/abdallah/archive/15

Mon Kumagai (shamisen)

And more!

Additional Information:

※ Please note that there may be changes in the list of performers and guests.

※ Please refrain from smoking within the venue area, as well as from taking photographs of the performers.

※ A portion of the sales of food and goods, as well as all donations placed in our donation boxes, will be given to several grassroots organizations in order to support their ongoing work for nonviolent peace action.

※ Spring Love has a “gomi-zero” ("no garbage") policy. Please leave the venue as clean as you found it by separating your trash at one of the provided garbage stations. Garbage cleanup is an extremely expensive undertaking, and if this policy is not respected, we may not be able to offer this free festival in the future. Show some spring love by following the "gomi-zero" rule!!

※ Volunteers needed before and during the event!! (setup, translation/interpretation, cleanup, various administrative tasks, etc.) If you are able to help, please contact us at kim@pnwj.org!

Event support: A SEED JAPAN, Solar, Peace Not War Japan, TEAM

Why did Washington Post attack Mr. Fujita on 911?

On March 8, 2010, the Washington Post published the editorial titled "
A leading Japanese politician espouses a 9/11 fantasy".

Here is what Mr. Fujita has to say on this. He is very calm and sincere as usual.
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March 10, 2010

Comment on Circumstances of Washington Post Editorial Dated Mar 8, 2010

Yukihisa Fujita
Member of the House of Councillors


At 10:30 am on March 3, 2010, Lee Hockstader, Editorial Writer for the Washington Post, visited myself (Yukihisa Fujita, member of the House of Councillors, and Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) International Department Director General) having made an interview request on the subject of “Japan’s stance on and shifting attitudes toward immigration” via the Foreign Press Center, Japan. (original interview request and questions in Japanese available on request)

1. The requested interview time of one hour was spent discussing the current situation relating to Japan’s response to immigration and my opinions on this issue. During the interview Hockstader typed my comments into his laptop computer, as he had requested. However, once the one hour interview had ended and Hockstader had closed his laptop, he mentioned as an aside that he had noticed from my resume that I had raised the issue of the 9/11 terror attacks in a Diet committee, and asked whether I had some doubts about this issue. In response, I explained the circumstances that led me to become involved in the 9/11 issue and pointed out a number of points that still remained unexplained about the events of that day.

2. In other words, after answering questions on the agreed upon theme for around one hour, I naturally responded to this question as being separate from the interview itself.

3. Ms. Fukasawa of the Foreign Press Center, Japan also attended the interview (DPJ International Department Manager Ms. Uchida and Deputy Manager Ms. Burnicle were also in attendance), and she confirmed that during his visit to Japan, Hockstader did not conduct interviews on any other subject than immigration. (following the interview, I received a letter of thanks from Foreign Press Center, Japan President Terusuke Terada). The entire interview was recorded and I intend to disclose the content of the entire interview in due course.

4. As stated in 1. above, this was an informal chat regarding 9/11 following the actual interview itself. At no point did I draw the conclusion that 9/11 was a conspiracy, and I clearly stated that the collapse of the Twin Towers could not be judged to be a result of a controlled demolition. Rather, I stated I had made my speech in the Diet from the stance that it was necessary to investigate the origins of the “War on Terror” from the perspective of assisting the relatives of the victims of 9/11, and in relation to the war in Afghanistan and the provision of humanitarian assistance.

5. Furthermore, I have many American friends from various walks of life, and have worked for many years to serve as a bridge between Japan and the United States, including by providing assistance to former US POWs held captive by Japan.

6. I currently serve as Director of the Research Committee on International Affairs and Global Warming Issues in the House of Councillors, but I was introduced in the article as “the head of the Research Committee on Foreign Affairs”. Moreover, the article describes me as “a Brahmin in the foreign policy establishment” of Japan, while in fact, as Director General of the Democratic Party of Japan’s International Department, I am not involved in policy matters. I find it totally regrettable that this kind of biased article should be published in the Washington Post.
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By reading this, I am surprised to witness that a very credible paper like The Washington Post tricked him like this. This editorial is not only inaccurate but also Mr. Hockstader, the writer of this editorial, cheated him when asking for an interview. Why did Washington Post (he) do that?

I am guessing two possibilities:
They are really scared of the 911 truth coming out?
or
The editor may be an "angel" for us. He deliberately made mistakes in order to open the door to 911 Truth discussions in the mainstream media.

There is growing international support for the 911 Truth movement and I think this can be a great opportunity for 911 truth to be revealed in the main stream media.

What You Say Next Will Change Your World (Miki), and What You Buy Next Will Change the World (Yumi)!

The first half of the title today come from the Conflict Hotline by Bay NVC with Miki Kashutan as the host. She is currently my trainer of NVC (Non Violent Communication) which I am learning this year. I have become passionate about NVC, a new way of relating people since I attended the Bay NVC Leadership Training.

If you want to learn more about NVC, Miki's blog is a great source - The Fearless Heart: baynvc.blogspot.com
For her TV show - The Conflict Hotline: youtube.com/baynvc

The latter part of the title came strongly to me at 5am this morning. It was SO strong that I had to wake up and write them down: What You Buy Next Will Change the World!

Well, this may be the title of my talk in the US.

Yes, this is essence of what I want to convey to American, Japanese, European or any affluent people in the world today. Our world is made of what we buy. Everything you see in your house exists because you or someone bought it. Without buying, things do not exist, and corporations who make products will not survive if we all stop buying their products.

Think about it. I love this STUFF as I share their humor and message.
http://www.storyofstuff.com/international/

As I live on an organic farm, trying not to pollute water around my home, I now live without using any detergent nor soap. I clean myself, clothes and house using salt, vinegar, baking soda, etc. I use no cosmetics either and I now have better skin than when I was in my 20s.

Anyway, I have to thank Bob (my empathy buddy) who inspired me to this. Bob is helping me to create a fundraising event for Bay NVC in the Bay Area when I return in May. I am asking Bob to find a venue for May 29th and 30th. I will keep you informed once we know what/where/when.

Below is a letter from Miki Kashtan. I am sharing this because I am pretty sure many of you who read my blog are working for PEACE. If so, here is your chance to be more effective in your peace building.
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IN BRIEF:

I am pleased to tell you that this year we are offering training for trainers in 3 different location: Northern California (July 23-29), Denmark (Aug 20-26), and Upstate New York (Nov 5-10). This training is designed for experienced NVC trainers (certified and others) who have a strong commitment to living and sharing NVC. please pass the word out.

IN DETAIL:

INTERNATIONAL NVC ADVANCED TRAINING FOR TRAINERS

The primary purpose of this intensive training is to provide support in increasing and deepening capacity for living and sharing NVC, especially to offer an opportunity to become proficient with the approach and materials that Inbal and I developed.

This training is likely to focus on the following areas:
- Teaching skills for interdependence
- Teaching about power and power relations
- Advanced empathy skills and teaching empathy skills
- Body-based NVC practices, especially for inner work and self-connection
- Feedback giving and receiving about materials, activities, presentations, etc. we anticipate that everyone will have opportunity to share at least once
- Living in full authenticity and interdependence

We invite you to attend or consider if there is anyone you know who meets these qualifications:

- At least a year of teaching NVC
- Intensive advanced training such as the BayNVC Leadership Program, other advanced yearlong programs, and/or completion of the certification process
- Strong commitment to making the sharing of NVC with others central to one's life

NOTE: All 3 offerings are open to people who are sharing NVC in any capacity, not necessarily through training. If you don't have the level of experience requested but would like to be at this retreat, contact us about options.

Here's what others have said about the first training we offered last September:

"The Training of Trainers with Inbal and Miki had a higher degree of benefit for me and I have shared more usable learning with others than any other training in which I have participated. (At least 45 days in residential trainings alone.) I have been profoundly changed by the learning and experiencing at this training, and I have been empowered by the growth I experience in that few days. More often now I ask for what I want, speak up about what isn't working, ask more clarifying questions about what is happening for others." Jeanne Northsinger

"Training the Trainers from BayNVC created an environment and opportunity for a deepening of my personal and leadership connection with some cutting edge NVC processes that have catapulted the depth and dynamic of the practice groups and workshops I facilitate and co-lead as well as my personal and intimate relationships" Craig Sones-Cornell

"The ToT retreat was one of the most profound personal growth experiences of my life. The deep coaching I received from Miki, Inbal, and the other participants was hugely supportive of my ability to see myself more wholly (my strengths and my edges). I came away with a richer understanding of key aspects of NVC consciousness as well as powerful tools for deeper self-connection, self-integration, and connection with others, which in turn are supporting me in sharing NVC more confidently and effectively. I wouldn't have missed it for the world" Linda Hutchins-Knowles

Costs: tuition is separate from basic expenses and paid separately. we have a policy of not turning anyone away for lack of funds for tuition.

California (July 23-29): camping: $400, shared room: $700. Tuition in addition: $900-$1800. contact register@baynvc.org for more information and to register.

Denmark (Aug 20-26): please visit www.FIVK.dk for full details including costs.

New York (Nov 5-10): shared room: $525, single: $625. Tuition in addition: $800-$1600. Contact suvandana7@optonline.net for more information and to register.

Note about training team: with the uncertainty about Inbal's health, it is unlikely that Inbal will join me at these events. If she is not available, other trainers who have worked closely with us may come instead.

Miki Kashtan
www.baynvc.org

♪ Creating a World Where Everyone's Needs Matter -- Is it a mission impossible? ♪ - 26 min 17 sec - 6.5 MB

Back to Japan. I am writing this in our 200 old farm house where we grow rice, vegetables, as well as fruits and mushrooms organically, and am looking back at the rich experience of my 10 days in the US. Today's podcast was recorded on my last night in the US at Miki Kashtan's house, with Jared as a guest. He has a great passion to teach NVC (Non Violent Communication) in Japan one day. He was an assistant in the NVC retreat and I enjoyed his playfulness and open heart very much.

During this NVC retreat, I witnessed a community that has a different consciousness about human relationships. Those who practice NVC are really trying to create a world where each person's needs matter. It seems to me "a mission impossible", but the trainers were really practicing NVC moment to moment throughout the retreat, which was really amazing and moving!

As Miki says, "What You Say Next Will Change Your World".

For her blog - The Fearless Heart: baynvc.blogspot.com
For her show - The Conflict Hotline: youtube.com/baynvc

One day, I would love to be able to talk like that in my own language and also in English.

On the last night of my trip to the US after the retreat, we saw a beautiful rainbow on the way to Oakland. A rainbow is a good sign, it means hope to me. I felt it was celebrating for all of us who had for the past 9 days worked passionately to create a better world for humanity. Well, I admit we are far from perfect, but every one of us had the clear intention for creating a world that we would like to live in.

Then, that beautiful sunset appeared. Nature is always reminding us what a beautiful place we live in. Soon after the sunset, there came a full moon. I was lost for words and deeply moved by the full moon. It was saying YES! with a big smile.

When I woke up on that day, the following words came to me in English, which was surprising to me (this happens in Japanese usually). I have never written a poem, but I am going to share it with you. This is my first poem in English.

HURT

It's OK to get hurt
It's OK to get beaten up
As long as I have my intentions clear
All I want is peace,
peace in me, peace in you, and peace on earth

I stand up again and again
making a lot of mistakes until I get it
I stand up and do the best I can in that moment
If I fail and create mess, I connect with myself
Deep moment of silence to find the beauty of needs
Then, I am ready to stand up again to give another try

I guess my English is like that of children, but still I would like to express myself in English so that I can reach those of you who may not read Japanese.