The Japan YMCA Alliance Conference, an annual gathering of YMCA representatives from all over Japan, was held from June 21-22 at the YMCA Tozanso in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture and was attended by approximately 140 participants.

　This year ‘s theme was “In a divided world, we can discover, connect, and improve – To create a just world.” The conference marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and focused on the current destruction caused by the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and other areas. We invited Mr. Carlos Sanvee, Secretary General of the World YMCA, and Mr. Razvan Sassu from the World YMCA staff to host this event.

Mr. Carlos Sanvee, Secretary General of the World YMCA appeared to the stage in his national dress of Togo

　On the first day, the Japan YMCA Alliance presented business reports and discussion plans. After the report, Mr. Carols Sanvee, Secretary General of the World YMCA gave a speech titled “YMCAs around the World Now”.

He shared that “The world is divided, hurt, and in need of healing. The YMCA must become the organization that connects this divided world,” and “we want people who have joined the YMCA to feel the energy of healing. We talk to each other, share our pain, and support each other with compassion. This is what the YMCA is, and how we stand up against division.” The hall was filled with excitement at his powerful message.
　

Workshop by Mr. Razvan Sassu of the World YMCA

Participants enjoying the quiz app “Kahoot”

　On the second day, Mr. Sassu held a workshop with the theme of “World YMCA Vision 2030”.
　”What can you do to promote the World YMCA Vision 2030″?
　Mr. Sassu conducted a fun workshop using the quiz app “Kahoot,” and explained how “World YMCA Vision 2030” is effective in overcoming various crises in modern society and encouraging everyone to get involved in Vision 2030.

　Additionally, the “Children’s Human Rights Project” by Morioka YMCA youth was introduced as an example of Japan’s “World YMCA Vision 2030″. This is a project started four years ago with the goal of “everyone learning about human rights with fun”. This project won the grand prize at last year’s Japan YMCA convention. As a prize, an introductory video for the project was produced and screened at the venue.
　Watch the video here (YouTube, 5 minutes)

Morioka YMCA youth leader introducing the “Children’s Human Rights Project”

They are newly certified YMCA Directors

　A newly certified YMCA Director ceremony was also held during the event and certificates were presented to the eight new YMCA Directors. They received cheers from the audience.

Atomic bomb at Hiroshima photo panels were displayed at the venue.

A morning worship service was led by the Student YMCA

　In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the venue exhibited photographs taken by US Marine Corps photographer, Joe O’Donnell, right after the atomic bombing. Mr. Carlos Sanvee spent a long time, as if he was praying, in front of the photograph “boy standing at the crematorium”. This photograph became famous by the Pope when he used it for the peace movement.

　The morning service was led by the Student YMCA and was themed “Peace”. Everyone held hands together in a circle and shared a message of peace.

The Sunday service was officiated by Rev. Motoo Nakamichi, a board member of the Japan YMCA Alliance

A young Ukrainian man spoke about his thoughts on peace during the service

　The Sunday service’s sermon was titled “To Create a Just World” and officiated by Rev. Motoo Nakamichi, a board member of the Japan YMCA Alliance. Mr. Nakamichi presented a cross made of barbed wire and shared his hope that “this service will be the beginning of a small peace”. The sermon included readings from the lamentations of the World War II victims and a Ukrainian youth speech. Mr. Nakamichi introduced the words of a survivor of the atomic bombing, who said “fear creates violence”. He also pointed out that the phrase “do not be afraid” appears more than 100 times in the Bible. He preached that we must not only convey the horror of war to the next generation, but also tell stories of love that overcome fear, and prevent the cycle of violence caused by fear.

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Visit to Hiroshima After the Conference

Offering flowers at the Atomic Bomb Memorial Cenotaph with Mr. Minomaki and Mr. Sakuma of the Nihon Hidankyo (Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bombs Victims Organizations)

A message of gratitude was sent to the Hiroshima YMCA

　Before and after the conference, Mr. Carlos Sanvee and Mr. Razvan Sasuu spoke at the Japan YMCA General Secretary Conference, and visited the Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Hiroshima YMCAs. In Hiroshima in particular, they toured the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and listened to the testimonies of atomic bomb survivors, Mr. Tomoyuki Minomaki and Mr. Kunihiko Sakuma of the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Victims Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo), who were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year.
　Having witnessed the threat of the atomic bomb, Mr. Carlos Sanvee stated, “for the sake of future generations, we must act to realize a world without nuclear weapons” and offered flowers at the Atomic Bomb Memorial Cenotaph. He also sent a message of “respect” to the Hiroshima YMCA, which has been working to promote the peace movement together with the atomic bomb survivors since right after World War II.

　Through the conference and subsequent trainings, participants shared their thoughts such as,
“I was reminded that I am part of the global YMCA family,” and “the daily activities of the YMCA are connected to the work of YMCAs around the world. I felt like we are creating a global movement.”

　Mr. Carlos Sanvee and Mr. Razvan Sasuu commented that “The people of Japan value harmony and peace. There are no religious conflicts. We hope that you will continue to spread that voice to the world and lead the world.”

Photo album here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/9Q9SfS6YBTi3Dcgv7