What is peace?

When we talk about peace, sometimes we feel it is abstract. We might think that it is distant from our lives. The students of Nagasaki Prefecture have shown me that peace is more than just a five-letter word. I recently had the pleasure of attending the Nagasaki Prefecture Inter-High School speech contest. In this contest, students from around Nagasaki Prefecture come together to deliver speeches about peace and international communication – all while speaking English! My good friend is an English language instructor at a high school in Nagasaki, and she invited me to accompany her to watch one of her students compete in the contest.

Oceanside views on the way to Oshima.

I am a graduate student focusing on international relations, and I was excited to see what students in Nagasaki thought about peace. The speech contest was held on Oshima, a remote island about an hour and a half south of Nagasaki. We set out from Nagasaki and enjoyed the beautiful oceanside drive. During our trip, we enjoyed sharing our favorite music, and my friend’s student was surprised to learn that I am a fan of the J-pop group, Babymetal. We had fun listening to their music as we drove on the scenic ocean bridge connecting Nagasaki to Oshima.

On the way, my friend’s student nervously practiced her speech for me. In her speech, she spoke of her dream to teach peace in history classes in Nagasaki schools. I was very impressed by her understanding of peace at such a young age, and the spirit behind her speech brought tears to my eyes. If there are students who are this passionate about peace, this world will be a wonderful place to live.

Waiting for the speech contest to start and making friends.

Soon after crossing the ocean bridge to Oshima, we arrived at the high school where the competition was held. I wondered how the students could focus at such a beautiful place. The high school was surrounded by lush forestry, the ocean, and chirping birds. When we entered the high school, we were warmly greeted by the school principal and teachers in charge of the competition. We removed our shoes and put on the slippers to be used within the school grounds. Once in the classroom, the we enjoyed the ocean breeze coming through the windows as we waited for the competition to begin. We all cheered on my friend’s student with, ‘do your best!’ and took our seats. There was a panel of judges responsible for rating each of the speeches. Teachers and principals from the hosting high school offer words of encouragement, and the competition was underway.

Although there were differences in English comprehension, all the students’ speeches reflected their deep understanding of peace, international relations, and global communications. Many of the speeches were moving and brought our group to tears. Many students spoke passionately about ways they work for peace in their hometowns. Many were peace messengers: volunteers who connect the mission of peace in Nagasaki with other global affairs. My friend’s student was a peace messenger in South Korea. In her speech, she spoke of the connection she felt with the struggles of South Korean people.

Although there were differences in the content of the speeches, some themes reflect the students’ thoughts about peace:

  1. Enacting peace involves the small actions of many people. The students believe that any amount of volunteering can make a difference, no matter how small.
  2. English is a valuable tool for engaging in global discussions. Many students spoke of how they often felt ashamed of their lack of English fluency. Even so, they are committed to learning English and becoming confident in their abilities. What is important, they say, is simply to try.
  3. International friendships are important. Experiences abroad and making foreign friends inspired the students to engage in global affairs.
  4. Putting peace in real terms. These students are finding a way to enact peace in a variety of ways. By becoming peace messengers or volunteering, the Nagasaki students at this competition believe that peace is something they can make happen.
My friend and I posing for a picture with her student after the competition.

Attending the speech contest for Nagasaki prefecture was a once in a lifetime experience. I am very grateful for being invited to participate. I am truly inspired by the speeches and actions of the high school students of Nagasaki Prefecture. My hope is that these students continue their peace efforts in their future careers. がんばって (do your best)!

Monte-Angel-Richardson

A graduate student at the University of Michigan conducting research & traveling in Japan.
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