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

Committee of Seven for World Peace celebrates its 50th anniversary

On November 11, the Committee of Seven for World Peace held a lecture in Tokyo commemorating its 50th anniversary with about 150 people participating and called for the Japanese Constitution to be made use of in contributing to world peace.

Mushakoji Kinhide, former vice president of the U.N. University, stressed in his speech that citizens' solidarity has been strengthened in opposing the Iraq war and in the effort to close the gap between the rich and poor under neoliberalism.

Japan Pen Club president Inoue Hisashi stated that the effort made by atomic bomb survivors (Hibakusha) and citizens supporting them prevented the world from experiencing a third atomic bombing, "a great contribution to human history."

The Committee announced its 87th appeal stressing the importance of understanding the Constitution's global significance as well as defending and making use of its spirit and principles. It also urged the government to respect residents' increasing concerns over and opposition to the realignment of U.S. bases in Japan.

The Committee of Seven for World Peace was established in 1955 by seven public figures, including Japan's first Nobel laureate Hideki Yukawa. It has been publishing appeals calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons and peaceful resolution of international conflicts based on the humanism and pacifism of the Japanese Constitution.

The current members include Koshiba Masatoshi, Nobel laureate in physics, and physicist Fushimi Koji. -- Akahata, November 12, 2005