OVER 950 Japanese friends, passengers on the Peace Boat, expressed great joy following the news of Cuba’s victory in the UN vote to end the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on the island by the United States for more than 50 years.
The vote, held in the UN headquarters in New York, with 191 member nations in favor of the Cuban resolution condemning the unilateral policy of sanctions, took place during the Japanese visitors’ stay on the island, where they undertook activities related to the community, education, and health, in accordance with their personal interests.
First Vice President of Cuba’s Councils of State and Ministers Miguel Díaz-Canel spoke with seven survivors of the U.S. atomic bomb attacks on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, known as the hibakushas, as well as honorary members who participate on every cruise.
Upon receiving the Japanese delegation, the Cuban official expressed his admiration for the peace project, emphasizing the historic moment at which their visit took place, coinciding with the Cuban Revolution’s indisputable triumph over the economic blockade in the United Nations General Assembly, on October 26.
In this regard he noted, “It is an important day and your visit reinforces this victory.”
He also stressed the importance with which Cuba regards the visit made by the Peace Boat (16th) given what the international organization represents. “It’s an opportunity to reflect and share ideas in the struggle for peace and an end to nuclear weapons worldwide,” added the Cuban official.
The hibakushas visited the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) where they spoke to staff, students, and professors about the atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, emphasizing the need to end all wars.
One of the members, Joji Fukahori, recalled sad memories of that August 9, 1945, the day Nagasaki was bombed, leaving 74,000 dead and 75,000 injured. He expressed his hope that his experience would serve to encourage young people and youth to continue struggling for global disarmament.
Fukahori’s anecdote represented a prime example of the irrational use of force in an incident which could be described as the most shameful event in human history.
“We will always remember this day,” stated Yoshioka Tatsuya – founder and director of the project - to those gathered in the auditorium, where he also condemned the economic blockade against Cuba, calling it inhumane.
He explained that the Peace Boat has been traveling around the world since 1983, calling for a world free of nuclear weapons, and promoting a message in support of an end to wars, global sustainability and friendship among the peoples.
Since 1989 the boat has been visiting Havana or Santiago de Cuba, depending on the program schedule.
However the application, in 2003 and 2004, of the criminal laws which make up the blockade, saw the cruise ship prevented from traveling to the island, as the boat contained U.S. made parts.
During the14th and 15th visit (2010 and 2012) participants met with the leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro, while a forum was held in Havana’s Convention Center in 2012 to address the issue of nuclear disarmament.
The Peace Boat is a non-governmental organization with Special Consultative Status before the UN Economic and Social Council, while members actively participate in cultural and educational initiatives. The project has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize and in 2009 received the Solidarity Order awarded by the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba.
The ship has made over 70 trips to date, taking some 40,000 people to over 100 different destinations across the world.
This 16th edition included over 25 stops, with the boat sailing from New York to Havana, and then on to Jamaica, October 27.
Speaking to the press Masumi Matsumura, coordinator of Peace Boat activities, noted that the majority of passengers were traveling to Cuba for the first time, interested in learning about the island’s culture and history of the Revolution, adding, “They want to learn about Cuban society and its social programs. In Japan the style and way of life of people from the tropics is very interesting. Cuba is renowned for its music, mainly danceable genres such as son and salsa. Many Japanese feel proud of the international efforts undertaken by Cubans when they serve as doctors or teachers in other countries around the world. Also because the island receives thousands of young people who are trained in Cuban universities.”
Addressing the Japanese visitors, Kenia Serrano Puig, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) stated, “We can assure you that when the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, inaugurated the ELAM, he did so thinking of a day like today, when we contribute to raising awareness of the fact that the world does not need soldiers, but doctors. It's not nuclear arms to destroy lives that are needed, but preventative, educative, communicative, and human action to produce the knowledge, food, and medicines that will preserve life on this planet.”
