e-ShortNews

(#) Mr. Wanami’s talk during his violin concert was well-received among the members of the editorial meeting, to say nothing of his musical performance itself. He spoke to the children in plain words, citing his own experiences, and yet meaningful. And for this reason, it was decided to have his words printed in this issue. We hope you all enjoyed every word of his, as it contained many invaluable suggestions for UNESCO activities.

(#) Various opinions were exchanged at the editorial meeting this month, as in past months. We asked ourselves “whether our reports are to provide accurate, factual information of events or expected to be something more interesting to read with our own remarks and opinions”, “whether we can freely express our views and opinions or there should be a certain limit as the official newsletter of our organization,” etc. Many men, many minds, and the discussion lasted long without reaching a consensus.

(#) I found an article in the “Nikkei” newspaper in the end of year about a round-table discussion on “peace and culture”, in which the participants expressed their hopes that Japan conveys its culture to the world, arguing that “various religions and cultures have coexisted in Japan…It is Japan that can possibly answer the question - how can different religions and cultures coexist?” I thought what they pointed out was very important.

(M. Saito)