Vietnam's history is a precious heritage to inspire peace.

This is the message of Mr. Yoshioka Tatsuya, Co-founder and Executive Director of Peace Boat Organization in an interview with Thoi Dai magazine on the sidelines of the exchange program “Continuing the story of peace”. The event was organized by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) in collaboration with Peace Boat Organization and two Nobel Peace Prize-winning organizations - Nihon Hidankyo Federation and International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) in Ha Long city (Quang Ninh province).

Thời Đại•03/05/2025

Please share about the meaning of the exchange program "Continuing the story of peace "?

I think this event is very special because it takes place on the 50th anniversary of the end of the war in Vietnam. This ending gives us the belief that if we are truly united and believe in what is right, we will eventually win.

Lịch sử Việt Nam là di sản quý báu để truyền cảm hứng về hòa bình

Mr. Yoshioka Tatsuya, Co-founder and Executive Director of Peace Boat Foundation. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Therefore, this event carries a very strong message. This is an opportunity for Japanese and Vietnamese people to look back together 50 years after the end of the war in Vietnam.

In the context of many conflicts in the world , the Vietnamese people have sent a message: peace is more important than anything. I believe that for that reason, the exchange "Continuing the story of peace" is meaningful to all peace lovers in the world.

Why is Vietnam a regular destination for the Peace Ship Organization, sir?

The first time we visited Vietnam on the Peace Boat was in 1985. At that time, Vietnam was still bearing the scars of war. We witnessed the pain firsthand. We also learned a lot about the great efforts of the Vietnamese people in the fight for independence. Along with that, the suffering that the people had to endure for a long time because of the war.

The history of Vietnam, especially the war period, has great significance. In the history of mankind, the war in Vietnam is one of the most brutal wars. Therefore, we need to convey the message: such terrible things should never be repeated. I think that the experience of the Vietnamese people during the war has conveyed lessons about the importance of peace, about peace thinking, peaceeducation and peace activities.

Japan is also a country that has suffered many losses, including the disasters in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Therefore, we deeply sympathize with the Vietnamese people. Since then, we have started to visit Vietnam almost every year. I have been to Vietnam more than 50 times, and the Peace Boat organization has been to Vietnam about 39 times.

Please share your most memorable memories of Vietnam?

I have two memorable experiences during my visits to Vietnam.

The first memory was a painful experience. When we had the opportunity to visit Tu Du Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. We witnessed many children with birth defects due to the effects of Agent Orange. Some newborns even died. That scene left me with a sorrow for the losses that war left behind. We felt more deeply the brutality of war, and understood more clearly the consequences it left behind.

The second memory was a warm and joyful experience. It was an exchange program with the Youth Union in Da Nang. The Vietnamese youth were very friendly and hospitable. Every year, we organize exchange activities between Vietnamese and Japanese youth: visiting the city, eating, and chatting. Every time the ship left the dock, both Japanese and Vietnamese youth burst into tears. Although we were only together for a few short days, I understood that: solidarity has a magical power, enough to bring happiness to people.

Could you share about the potential for cooperation between the Peace Ship Organization and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO)?

I see great potential in promoting cooperation between the Peace Ship Organization and VUFO, especially in areas such as: peace research, sustainable development, response to the climate crisis and ocean-related issues.

hợp tác giữa hai bên không nên chỉ giới hạn ở lĩnh vực hòa bình, mà còn có thể mở rộng sang các chương trình dành cho thanh niên và học tập suốt đời.

Cooperation between the Peace Ship Organization and VUFO can also be extended to youth programs and lifelong learning. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

I believe that cooperation between the two sides should not be limited to the field of peace, but can also be extended to youth programs and lifelong learning. There are many forms in which this can be realized.

For example, young people are always full of curiosity and desire to explore. Experiential programs such as Peace Boat, combining tourism, cross-cultural exchange, and cross-border discussions, will be opportunities for young people from different countries to meet, learn, and share together. Our goal is to create engaging activities that arouse the interest and excitement of young people. From there, they will proactively learn and contribute to the journey of building a world of peace and sustainable development.

What message of peace do you and the Peace Ship Organization want to send to the young generation of Vietnam?

I am sure that the history of Vietnam is a great history. You have a precious heritage. Your country has achieved great progress after one of the most devastating wars in human history.

You deserve to have the confidence and strong motivation to continue contributing to building a more peaceful world. Your experience is not only for Vietnam, it is a universal experience. It can support many other countries and contribute to building a truly peaceful world.

Let's learn about peace and how to build peace together. We are always together. Let's join hands for world peace.

Thank you very much!

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/lich-su-viet-nam-la-di-san-quy-bau-de-truyen-cam-hung-ve-hoa-binh-213174.html