Creating a society where the next generation of East Asia will not say ”We are close, but far”. This has been my strong dream and mission since the year of 2011.
We are all living in the extent of the past. In that sense, we are not only responsible for the future, but also for the present and the past. In East Asia, especially in the context of Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea, the memories of the past World War has been the cause for the continuous political tension and negative feeling among the people. We must stop repeating this negative cycle of endless hatred expressed by “We are geographically close, but psychologically far”, and move forward for a peaceful future based on mutual understanding while respecting different kinds of opinions and thoughts. I want to create such a future by committing myself through education, mainly promoting dialogue over multiple topics related to East Asia, open to wide public firstly in Japan, and gradually, in our neighboring countries.
When I was a high school student, I encountered East Asia. The initial story goes back to the year of 2016 when I was doing a year’s study in the States. My life has totally changed by meeting the people from my neighboring countries. They brought me joy into my life, and they shaped who I am today. I simply thought that I want to live with them. I saw my identity as East Asian. Then, in 2011, I had an opportunity to take a part in the 1st Japan-China-Republic of Korea Youth Forum conducted by the United Nations Associations, and it decided my life path. it was my first time to hear the expression of “We are close, but far”, and from the time, I promised myself that I would not carry this word into the future generation. I want the future generation of our region to be free from the painful memories in the past, and have the choice to construct the relationship based on their own personal encounter. Our relationship must not be determined by politics and history.
I respect and strongly support SDGs 16 in the context of peacebuilding in East Asia. Peace is fundamental for all of society and something we all can agree that it is important. I promise to promote peace while holding empathy and fighting for injustice taking place in our region.