As I hear about the increasingly chaotic state of world affairs and the various news stories where life is treated with such disregard, my heart grows heavier and heavier… However, at the recent opening ceremony, I was able to regain my hope. “They will beat their swords into plowshares / and their spears into pruning hooks. / Nation will not take up sword against nation, / nor will they train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). Ms. Mochizuki from Zenkoku Tomo-no-Kai, who delivered the congratulatory address, quoted this biblical passage displayed at the United Nations Headquarters and shared with us the importance of working toward «peace from the soil ».

Hearts that yearn for peace, hearts that continue to seek the wisdom of living together, hearts that wish to cherish the earth and food… There are people connected by the same heart and soul, and ARI’s mission is supported by such people. Convinced of this, it was a wonderful day when I felt a refreshing breeze. I was also very happy that local high school students attended the ceremony.