Signature Image: 

On the occasion of The Charity Concert for Peace and Nuclear Non-Proliferation, let me offer my congratulations on your “Harmony for Peace” charity concert for peace and nuclear non-proliferation. It truly is signifi cant that a concert, with the artists from six countries that embody a passion for peace, is held at the same time as the 2010 Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Conference in New York. I pay my deepest respect to Ms. Yasuko Mitsui, Founder and Chairperson of the Harmony for Peace Foundation along with the artists and many others involved in this project.

Hatsukaichi-City, has had a long history of close ties with Hiroshima. Not only was there a large number of Hatsukaichi citizens who perished under the Hiroshima atomic-bomb, but also its citizens witnessed so many victims who had suffered from after-effects of the atomic bomb. The city and its citizens saw the grievousness of the atomic bomb right in front of their eyes. The experience has resulted in ardent peace movements initiated by the city’s citizens and school children. Ms. Yasuko Mitsui, as Founder of the Harmony for Peace Foundation and one of the six artists to perform in this charity concert, has long been involved in the peace movement together with citizens of Hatsukaichi-City.

As a universal language, music, transcends the differences of language and culture, and it can effectively convey our thoughts. Since last year, through Hatsukaichi Music Festival, we are sending out a message on “fulfi llment of world peace.” We are very thankful for Ms. Mitsui for the opportunity for my city to get involved in this charity concert.

My sincere wish to delegates who represent their countries in the NPT Conference that they fi rst feel the enthusiastic messages from the artists today and second to reaffi rm what is the most important priority for mankind; and lastly, to consider the group consensus accordingly.

Children of Hera Elementary School, Hatsukaichi City folded one-thousand origami cranes with their prayers for peace. Each of the one thousand origami cranes is carefully strung together. It is believed that a “one-thousand origami cranes” brings miracles. By transcending the differences in language and history, we, too, need to string our wishes and our hearts together for a peaceful world, overcoming the differences in language. We must achieve peace by connecting children’s and our hearts together. We then will realize a peaceful world.

As a final word, I pray for the success of this concert and that the ardent wishes for peace by the artists and those involved in this project will be transmitted through music spreading like a warm breeze.

 April 12, 2010

Mr. Shinno Katsuhiro, Mayor, Hatsukaichi City