Johan Galtung advocates that “Okinawa should become the central hub of the East Asian community” at peace symposium

Johan Galtung advocates that “Okinawa should become the central hub of the East Asian community” at peace symposium

Peace-studies expert Johan Galtung and former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama paneling the “How to make peace in East Asia?” symposium. May 25, Aoyama Gakuin University, Tokyo


May 27, 2018 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Tokyo – Aoyama Gakuin University Center for International Studies hosted a symposium titled, “How to make peace in East Asia?” at the Aoyama Gakuin campus in Tokyo May 25.

Peace-studies expert Johan Galtung and former prime minister Yukio Hatoyama attended the panel.

Galtung proposed the idea that Japan was in need of a “Japanese Restoration,” based on the spirit of the Meiji Restoration that transformed the structure of Japan 150 years ago.

 

Galtung also commented that the disputed Senkaku islands, “could become the place to actively put peace into practice,” reprising his proposition that the disputed territory be co-administered by Japan and China as a way to avoid friction.

He also stressed the necessity of forging and East Asian community as a practical strategy for avoiding war, elaborating, “I continue to propose that Okinawa could function as the central hub of this community, as it has a unique perspective.”

 

Additionally, he indicated that there should be thought given to reconciling historical wounds suffered by Okinawa such as the forced annexation by Japan in 1879.

Regarding the avoidance of war, Galtung said, “Nations that employ warfare as a problem-solving policy are becoming fewer and fewer.

I want to tell the Abe administration that his methods are outdated.” He also indicated the global influential power of the United States was waning.

He warned that Japan should not follow in their footsteps.

 

Former Prime Minister Hatoyama emphasized, “It is being said that the threat posed by North Korea is fairly exaggerated.

What is needed now is a strategy that will build peace through dialogue.”

 

The discussion was also paneled by Professor Akira Kimura from Kagoshima University and Professor Kumiko Haba from Aoyama Gakuin University.

 

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

 

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