September 26, 2022

A couple of dozen Kyoto residents on September 24 assembled in front of a monument symbolizing the citizens' hope that a Sino-Japanese war will never occur again. At Arashiyama Park in Kyoto City, taking the 50-year anniversary of restoration of Japan-China diplomatic relations, they pledged to never again allow a war between Japan and China to occur.

Japanese Communist Party Diet Policy Commission Chair Kokuta Keiji (House of Representatives member elected from Kyoto) delivered a speech in solidarity at the event hosted by the Japan-China Friendship Association Kyoto local.

Kokuta pointed out that both the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique and the 1978 Japan-China Peace Treaty affirm that all disputes shall be resolved by peaceful means based on the UN Charter. He said, "Let us block the road to arms expansion the Japanese government is seeking and let us work to create true peace through diplomacy which makes the best use of the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution!"

Onishi Kokyu, a reverend of Kiyomizudera Temple, in his talk said, "It is important for us to not see wars as someone else's problem. The existence of visible monuments like this one reminds us of the past and makes us reflect on the ongoing wars and conflicts. And, this will lead to 'no more wars'."

A 22-year-old Chinese student said, "There have been flash points in East Asia. That's why, to keep connecting with others is important. I'd like to work to familiarize the 'no-war' spirit inscribed on this cenotaph to young people."