POPOKI’S PEACE PROJECT

Popoki's Friendship Story on display at Kobe City Hall

2012-01-16T18:50:00.003+09:00

Popoki's Friendship Story is on display in the Shimin Gallery on the second floor of Kobe City Hall. It is part of an exhibit in conjunction with the anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, 1995.1．17. The exhibit continues until 1/22. If you have a chance, please have a look!

New Book to be released soon!

2011-12-09T17:36:00.003+09:00

NEW BOOK* Popoki's Friendship Story ~ Our Peace Journey Born Out of the Great Northeastern Japan Earthquake will be released soon! This book is the record of Popoki's work in the disaster area and connecting people around the world.

Publisher: Epic A5 size, 64 pages, color, Bilingual (English/Japanese), 1500 yen (inc. tax)

Popoki Friendship Story (2) on YouTUBE

2011-05-07T23:48:00.004+09:00

A second Popoki Friendship Story Project video has been uploaded onto YouTube.

Please have a look! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otFb7_3S-Kk

Popoki's Friendship Story Project Starts

2011-04-20T13:16:00.004+09:00

Popoki's Friendship Story Project kicks off!

We offer our sincere condolences to all those affected by the Northeast Japan disaster.

We cannot believe the suffering caused by the natural disaster, and refuse to accept the additional harm caused by the human/nuclear disaster.

We are doing what we can to help. One activity is Popoki's Friendship Story Project to join us all with one long cloth.

You can view the cloth so far at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpCi2FcV5Rw

Please join us!

Popoki's New Year Special Event

2011-01-08T15:26:00.002+09:00

Popoki's New Year Special Event!

"Thinking about Hansen's Disease with Popoki - Let's all learn together"

When: 31 January 2011 19:00-20:30
Where: Kobe YMCA No charge

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Happy New Year from Popoki!

2011-01-03T09:51:00.005+09:00

Happy New Year from Popoki!

This is the year of the Rabbit.

We hope you have a hopping year, filled with carrots and other wonderful things.

Popoki Peace Project

New Book Information!

2010-08-11T16:37:00.003+09:00

Popoki's friend Ronni is among many authors of a new book!

Readon, Betty and Asha Hans, eds. The Gender Imperative: Human Security vs State Security
Routledge 2010

You can order it from:

Taylor and Francis Books India Pvt Ltd
912, Tolstoy House, 15-17 Tolstoy Marg,
Connaught Place, New Delhi 110 001
Tel +91 11 4315 5100 Fax +91 11 2371 2132

http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415585774/

Happy Land Day ... Again!

2010-04-02T17:29:00.003+09:00

Here is a Happy Land Day message from one of Popoki's friends.

http://popoki-peace.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/files/sasakihappy_land_day_30_march_2010.pdf

Many others have sent their prayers and best wishes, too.

Happy Land Day

2010-03-30T11:03:00.002+09:00

Happy Land Day 30 March 2010

Popoki and the Popoki Peace Project support their friends in Palestine in their struggle to end the occupation and to recover their rightful lands.
What will you do today to show your support?
How about sending us a message to send to our Palestinian friends?

Ronni's Article on the Hiroshima Peace Media Center Website

2010-03-15T13:20:00.003+09:00

I have written the an article about Hiroshima in the World. It isn't about the Popoki Peace Project, but my work with the Project made it possible. You can read it at:
http://www.hiroshimapeacemedia.jp/mediacenter/index.php

Thanks! (Ronni)

Popoki in Palestine on Radio FM Cocolo 76.5

2010-01-21T16:13:00.004+09:00

I was interviewed (in Japanese) after returning from Palestine in the beginning of January.
The program, 'Heart Lines' was aired on 9 January between 07:30 and 08:00 on FM Cocolo 76.5 in Kansai, for about 10-15 minutes. I spoke about how very warmly we were treated by the people of Palestine, their celebration of Christmas, and how very difficult life is under Israeli occupation. I cited two examples in particular: lack of water and the impact of the wall. For example, on two occasions when we were passing through the Jerusalem checkpoint on the way to Bethlehem, we saw people, on of them a young child, being transferred from one ambulance to another. This is because Palestinian ambulances can not go into Israel, and the patients much have permits in order to be treated. Of course, the transfer takes time and paperwork, which can be fatal for the patient... I think it is important to share our experiences, and the Popoki Peace Project will be hosting some events to do so in the next few months.
(I had a link here to a recording of the interview, but it doesn't seem to be functioning. Apologies!)

2010.1,17

2010-01-18T06:18:00.001+09:00

Popoki remembers the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 17 January 1995

http://popoki-peace.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/files/2010.1.17.pdf

Happy Year of the Tiger

2010-01-06T21:19:00.002+09:00

Happy New Year from Popoki!
Hear about Popoki Peace Project's recent visit to Palestine on
FM COCOLO 76.5 2010.1.9 07:30-08:00

Thank you to Popoki's Secret Friend!

2009-10-30T13:22:00.004+09:00

Popoki has a secret friend at Kobe University.
Today, he got a contribution from that person.
Thank you so much!

Popoki Peace Challange! Photo Exhibit and Event for Peace

2009-10-28T12:23:00.005+09:00

Please join us for a 3-part Photo Exhibit Event for Peace

POPOKI PEACE CHALLENGE!

　　　　　PART 1 Photo Exhibit: "What Color is Life?"
Takashi MORIZUMI Photo Exhibit for Peace
2010.1.8-14 Admission:Free
Venue: Kobe Student Youth Center (5 min. walk from Hankyu Rokko Stn)
Tel: 078-851-2760 Fax: 078-821-5878
URL: http://ksyc.jp

PART 2 Lecture: "Looking at Peace and Life through a Lens"
Takashi MORIZUMI, photo journalist. 2010.1.8 18:30-20:30 300 yen
http://www.morizumi-pj.com/index/html
Venue: Kobe Student Youth Center (see above)
PART 3: Peace Map Making in Nada 2010.1.9 13:30-17:00
Venue: Kobe Student Youth Center (see above)
Schedule
13:30 Workshop: Popoki, What Color is Peace?
14:00 Takashi Morizumi: "Looking for peace with a camera?"
14:15 Group Time; explanation and preparation for activity
14:30 Let's go!
15:30 Return to Kobe Student Youth Center, make maps
16:30 Conclusion: sharing our work
*Anyone who can walk for about an hour is welcome to participate
** English translation available *** 500 yen

RESERVATIONS and INFORMATION: Please send your name, contact information, emergency contact information, age, and any other necessary information to: Popoki Peace Project (e-mail: popokipeace@gmail.com) or Fax: 078-803-7295 (Office, GSICS, Kobe University). RESERVATION DEADLINE: 2009.12.16 (Wednesday)
　　　　

Popoki's New Book is here!

2009-04-30T16:13:00.005+09:00

Popoki's Peace Book 2: Popoki, What Color is Friendship? (Epic, 2009, color, 32pages, 1500 yen) is here!

For information about Popoki's latest book, please contact:
Popoki Peace Project: popokipeace(at)gmail(dot)com

To a very special friend

2009-03-23T16:16:00.003+09:00

Thinking about Peace with Popoki: Palestine

2009-02-14T10:14:00.003+09:00

About 40 people attended this meeting. We began with thinking about peace through a reading of the peace picture book, Popoki, What Color is Peace? in Hebrew, Arabic and Japanese. For many of the participants, this was their first time to hear Arabic or Hebrew, and everyone enjoying listening to the new sounds.

We then viewed the film, ‘Rainbow,’ a documentary about Operation Rainbow, an Israeli attack on the Gaza that occurred in May 2004. The film depicted the struggle for life and survival of the Palestinians living under occupation, showing their grief and suffering. Before viewing the film there was a brief explanation of the historical and geographical situation. The film was followed by a discussion.

One question that was addressed was what we can do to create peace, and we engaged in a lively discussion. We hope that everyone who attended gained some ideas about what they can do, and will put them immediately into action.

Thanks to all who attended.

(From the Kobe YMCA)

Make Peace with Popoki: Palestine

2009-01-10T09:18:00.006+09:00

Join Popoki to think about peace in Palestine!

2009.2.12 18:30-20:30 Kobe YMCA 078-241-7204

Mini-workshop: Reading of Popoki, What Color is Peace? in Arabic, Hebrew, Japanese and discussion

Film showing: Rainbow(2004 / Palestine / 41min / Director: Abdalsalam M.A Shehada)The film describes how the lives of Palestinians were destroyed and lost under occupation. The pain and sorrow were burned onto the lens as the camera rolled.

Popoki News No.37

2008-09-29T15:27:00.003+09:00

Popoki News No. 37 is ready for viewing in the Archives!
We hope you like it!
Please have a look at:
http://popoki.cruisejapan.com/pdf/Popoki_News_No37.pdf

Popoki in Palestine

2008-08-28T12:37:00.006+09:00

We have posted the latest edition of 'Popoki News,' a special edition devoted to Popoki's recent visit to Palestine. Please take a look at it. You can find it by going to Popoki's web site and clicking on the Archives. It is Popoki News No.36. Enjoy!

See you in Makuhari!

2008-04-22T10:55:00.003+09:00

Hello Everybody,

I will be at the Global Article Nine Conference to Abolish War from 4-6 May.
It will be held at Makuhari Messe, outside of Tokyo with people from all over Japan and the rest of the world! Hopefully there might even be a few cats.
You can find out more at www.article-9.org
We will be giving a workshop on the morning of the 5th, from 10:00 a.m.
Please join us!
Popoki

For a special friend

2008-03-21T18:45:00.001+09:00

Thank you, Sam

2008-03-07T13:24:00.003+09:00

Is peace being able to say thank you to your friends?

Ronni Recognized as 'Everyday Peacemaker' by Pro～jectPeace

2008-01-26T10:10:00.000+09:00

Recently, Ronni was recognized as an "Everyday Peacemaker" by Pro~jectPeace, a group endeavoring to project peace in our daily lives as well as worldwide.
http://web.mac.com/stevenoreen/iWeb/PRO-JECT_PEACE/Welcome.html

Please have a look! Popoki and Ronni are of course delighted by this honor!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008

2008-01-24T10:49:00.000+09:00

POPOKI'S RESOLUTIONS FOR 2008

1. Make more new friends through sales of Popoki, What Color is Peace? Popoki’s Peace Book 1 and succeed in selling the entire second printing (1000 copies) by the end of the year!

2．Continue to make new friends through holding workshops in and outside of Japan!
3. Begin having book readings and other activities through the Popoki Peace Project!
4. Have Popoki be a part of everyone’s activities, and through that, increase Popoki’s circle of friends.

5. Work on preparation of Popoki, What Color are Friends? Popoki’s Peace Book 2.

Popoki available in the US

2007-08-28T10:17:00.000+09:00

Thanks to a very satisfied customer, Popoki, What Color is Peace? Popoki's Peace Book 1 can be ordered from Kinokuniya Bookstore in Los Angeles. The bookstore is at www.los_angeles@kinokuniya.com and the telephone number is 213.687.4480. The price is US$20.00 plus tax.

A comment from a Cambodian Reader

2007-07-18T12:53:00.000+09:00

Here is a comment from SOK Say, a graduate of Kobe University Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies. He has returned to Cambodia and is teaching there.

Many thanks for "Popoki, What Color is Peace?" I adore reading it.
I went through the whole book, and thought it would be nice if I were still a student there so that I could write a lot of reflection papers on it. I like all the embedded themes and morals. I think the moral on page eight is one of the most vital recipes for peace. We can have a long lasting peace only when we have friends of different colors, learn to live with people of different colors, learn to agree to disagree with people of different colors, learn to understand people of different colors, and so forth.
For one more thing, of course, art and music are two main catalysts for peace. Through them, I believe we can learn to interact with and understand people of different colors, among many others.
Peace starts from an individual; and I strongly believe it starts with the peace in mind of each individual.
I really appreciate your Popoki Peace Project, and no doubt it will provide more and more individuals with insights and light to find and build peace and a peaceful society. May the project be a great success. And may lovely Popoki be in everyone's heart to guide human beings to peace.
And you are right. This book is intended for children. But if we know how to manipulate it, it is also appropriate for (under)graduate levels. I will use it with my students one way or another.

SOK Say, Senior Lecturer (Language Education)
English Department of the Institute of Foreign Languages,
Royal University of Phnom Penh

A comment from a young reader (Grade 8, USA)

2007-07-06T19:59:00.000+09:00

"Popoki made me smile because he reminds me of my cats. I think I am most
at peace when I love and feel loved like when I am with my cat Maxwell.
Sometimes when the things we love die like my cat Paws it is hard to
remember to be at peace and it is only with new love like Maxwell that we
remember. Thank you for the lovely book."

Teaching Popoki

2007-05-22T08:03:00.000+09:00

May, 2007

Student: Stephen Palenik
Grade 9, Mac Donald High School
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

We were very excited when Po's book arrived and started our session by reading it and discussing its questions. We arrived at page 39, and found the question, "Are music and art necessary for peace?"

Stephen's answer to that question was so wonderful that Iwant to share it with all of you.
He said,"Peace IS an ART!"

Greta Cramer
Educational Therapist

A Message from Archbishop Desmond Tutu!

2007-05-05T21:34:00.000+09:00

Last week, when Prof. Gloria Rudolph was here in Kobe, I gave her a copy of Popoki, What Color is Peace? to pass on to Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Today, I came home to find an e-mail from Archbishop Tutu in my in-box. Of course I was very excited and happy that he had received my gift and was responding. Popoki is making many new friends, and we are delighted that Archbishop Tutu is among them!

Here is what he wrote:

Dear friend,
Thank you so very much for the delightful Popoki story. I like it. Well done.
God bless you,
+Desmond Tutu

Thank you!!!

Popoki, What Color is Peace? Popoki's Peace Book 1 arrives!

2007-04-29T20:56:00.000+09:00

Popoki, What Color is Peace? Popoki's Peace Book 1 is now scheduled for release on 15 May, but I received a number of copies early. It really looks wonderful. Thank you to everyone who has been involved for all your hard work and support.

Many wonderful things have happened. Today, 45 members of the Kobe Eiko Church bought copies, as did the taxi driver who took me there! In the evening, I spoke briefly with someone waiting in line for dinner at a restaurant where I had been eating with friends. His name is Mitsuru Tanaka, and he wanted a copy, too. I hope Popoki brings happiness and peace to everyone. I certainly want to remember all of these brief encounters.

The University-at-Sea ship is docked at Kobe right now. Last night, I had the pleasure of having dinner with Prof. Gloria Rudolph, an anthropologist who is teaching on the ship. She told us of her adventures, and brought back a couple of copies of Popoki. One is gift from me to Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a special guest on the ship. Hopefully Archbishop Tutu will enjoy meeting Popoki and will share his reflections and comments with us.

Popoki, What Color is Peace? to be released 3 May

2007-04-23T11:59:00.000+09:00

Popoki, What Color is Peace? Popoki's Peace Book is being bound and will be available at bookstores beginning May 3! This is indeed exciting news. I will post more information soon about how to get a copy. Information is also available from popokipeace@yahoo.co.jp

Here's a photo of the cover:

POPOKI AND I (1)

2007-03-20T02:42:00.000+09:00

Anzai Ikuro
Director, The Kyoto Museum for World Peace, Ritsumeikan University

The good thing about Popoki is that he isn’t larger than life.
Tetzuka Osamu’s Tetsuwan Atom (Mighty Atom) is a super boy. Well actually, all the characters in Japanese animations are larger than life. No problem is too hard for them to solve. I always ask worry what will happen to them if they continue this way. There is a hand-written poster opposing the Vietnam War made by Tezuka Osamu in the Ritsumeikan International Museum for Peace. A Vietnamese child is sitting next to a miserable hovel and pointing a finger toward Japan. The Japanese hero characters popular at the time were all shown, as if to say “If there are so many heroes, why don’t you send one here to Vietnam?” In fact, the Vietnamese didn’t need those heroes. They solved their problems by themselves.
Popoki is just himself. He is sensitive and curious. He sees things just as they are, feels what he feels and reacts naturally. He is about as far away as you can get from the desire for fame and political ambition that is poisoning human society.

“Popoki’s World Debut!” Go for it, Popoki. Go for it!

Publication is set!

2007-03-20T02:26:00.000+09:00

Publication is set! Popoki’s Peace Book is going to press!

On 1 February, I signed a contract with a publisher called Epic to release Popoki’s book. The title will be What Color is Peace? ~ Popoki’s Peace Book 1. It should be out in April and those of you who have participated in Popoki’s Peace Project should have your copy by early May. Many, many thanks to all who have helped! I want to give special thanks to the Kobe YMCA for their support from the very beginning of Popoki’s journey.

Size: A5 landscape

All color, 48 pages

English/Japanese language

1500 yen (tax included)

Publisher: Epic

Publication date: April 2007

I think it is going to be a very nice book!