On September 9, we attended a reception for the “World Harmony Forum” at the Meiji Memorial Hall.

“Wago” is a spirit of mutual understanding and respect for differences in religion, culture, nationality, and ideology, through which we build a shared future while honoring each other’s values. Religious leaders, cultural and artistic figures, experts, and businesses from Japan and abroad have come together, sharing this spirit of Wago, and have taken action to “launch initiatives aimed at achieving world peace.”

A social gathering was held on September 9, and a forum was held on September 10 in Kawasaki; we participated in both events over the two days.

Participants in this initiative include the supreme leader of Hinduism, a custodian of the traditions of the sacred site of Palani, and a scholar from South India, as well as the Commissioner General of the Ganges River and a religious journalist from North India.

In Japan, a diverse group of religious leaders—including Mr. Bala Kumbha Gurumuni, the founder of the World Harmony Forum, as well as monks from the Nichiren and Shingon sects, pastors, and Shinto practitioners—gathered together.

In other words, their efforts to promote world peace, guided by the spirit of harmony, are being spearheaded by Japan and India.

At the forum the following day, more than 1,000 Japanese people of all ages gathered. We were amazed by the strength of Japan-India relations and by the fact that so many Japanese supporters had come together.

Through his artistic work, Shiozawa advocates for world peace and has delivered paintings from Japan to Bodh Gaya, India, on three separate occasions.

Through his paintings, he conveys the spiritual essence of the harmony between Shinto and Buddhism, and he has always felt that it is of the utmost importance for Japan to take a central role in promoting world peace.

Over the past two days, we’ve been heartened to realize that this is by no means a solo effort by Shiozawa, but rather one supported by many who share his vision.