June 23rd is a memorial day for Okinawa: “Irei no Hi” (Memorial Day). Last month, AMICUS held a peace-themed assembly, a tradition we deeply value.

During the junior high assembly, representative teams from each grade delivered great speeches on the theme of “peace.” It was incredibly moving to see our students learn about war, reflect on its impact, and then articulate their own thoughts and feelings in their own words. Their strong messages resonated deeply with everyone present.

Some students even broadened their perspective beyond Okinawan history, mainland Japan and around the world. This truly highlighted the importance of “knowledge” and “reflection” about global issues. It was a valuable reminder for us all.

The assembly concluded with a heartfelt read-aloud by Principal Ken Oshiro. He shared a story based on his own father’s wartime experiences. Through his words, we could feel the suffering, fear, and the profound value of life during that time. Our students listened quietly, seeming to grasp the preciousness of their everyday lives and the peace they enjoy today.

“How can we learn from the past and apply it to the present and future?”
This was a central question, and seeing each student grapple with it so earnestly during the peace assembly was truly impactful, even for us adults.

At AMICUS, we will continue to value these opportunities for our students to reflect on peace. We want to gently encourage them to discover “what they can do” and empower them to take action for a more peaceful world.