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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

6,500 women discuss tasks for ensuring peaceful and safe future for children

The Japan Mothers' Congress, a major annual forum devoted to discussing ways to ensure peace for children, was held July 23-24 in Hitachinaka City and Tsukuba City, north of Tokyo.

Defense of the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution was the major focus of the 51st Mothers' Congress.

Speaking to about 6,000 participants in the opening plenary on behalf of the Organizing Committee, Kimura Yasuko said, "For 60 years since the end of WWII and since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we have steadfastly called for the defense of the pacifist Constitution as our wish to raise our children. Let us begin to take determined steps to ensure world peace."

About 6,500 people participated in discussions in 56 workshops on the second day. Workshop themes ranged from "difficulty for young people to find decent jobs" to a "quest for ways to encourage national discussion for food safety and agriculture" and "spreading the constitutional principle of peace throughout Asia and the world." -- Akahata, July 24 & 25, 2005