Young generation launches new peace organization

Young generation launches new peace organization

The members of "Yomitan Re: Peace Ranger": (from left) Takiro Kinjo, Yuriko Mimura and Ken Mimura, Mika Yamaguchi in Yomitan on June 30.


July 5, 2013 Ryukyu Shimpo

Four Yomitan residents have launched a new organization called “Yomitan Re: Peace Ranger.” It provides the opportunity for casual discussion of the constitution, peace and war.

As their first project, they are going to screen the movie “Nihonkoku kenpo the movie” at Yomitan Cultural Center Chu Hall on July 20. Takiro Kinjo who took the initiative to set up the organization, said, “We want to try change our society in which people feel uncomfortable talking about peace and the U.S. military base issue.” He went on to say, “Instead of forcing our way of thinking on others, we just want to provide the opportunity for young people and ordinary members of society to discuss these issues in a casual manner.”

Yomihira Mamoru Kun


Kinjo, who runs a restaurant in Yomitan, feels that something is wrong with the way that people avoid discussing constitution and politics. Some say that discussing these topics is too serious and daunting. He feels uneasy because recently the media have been discussing amendments to the Constitution.

Company employee Ken Mimura joined the organization, saying, “We want to plan events that younger people can easily take part in.” His wife Yuriko created the mascot character Yomihira Mamoru Kun. Mika Yamaguchi said, “People can participate in events that suit them and there should be all sorts of options within the peace movement.”

In the organization’s name, “Re: Peace” means recreating peace. They plan to hold events that young people will be able to easily take part in, such as films and book reading. The organization now wants to attract “rangers” who agree with its purpose no matter where they live.

On July 20, they will set up a booth introducing books that explain the Constitution in easily understandable terms. The door opens at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:00 p.m. The admission fee is 900 yen, but people aged 18 or under enter for free. Because of the nature of the venue advance reservations are required.

For reservation and enquiries, call the organizer at 090 (4779) 1080.

(English translation by T&CT, Hitomi Shinzato and Mark Ealey)

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