On September 21, 2025, the “International Day of Peace Bell-Ringing Ceremony” was solemnly held at Daihonzan Gokoku-ji Temple in Tokyo. With the UN celebrating its 80th anniversary, this year’s ceremony drew members of the Diet, the Governor of Tokyo, former Diet members, leaders of the Japan Committee for the International Day of Peace, religious representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps. After a Buddhist service, the Peace Bell was rung at noon, offering prayers for peace. The gathering then continued at Gekkōden Hall, where guest speeches and discussions emphasized global cooperation and the shared pursuit of peace.
In her guest address, Governor Yuriko Koike marked 80 years since the end of WWII, noting Japan’s progress rests on predecessors’ efforts, while today’s world faces the war in Ukraine, the Gaza crisis, and cross-cutting challenges in climate, energy and food security. She argued that overcoming crises requires cooperation—not division—and pledged to advance Tokyo into a more resilient, inclusive city while committing herself to a sustainable world, closing with respect for the ceremony’s organizers.
For the full speeches and details of the ceremony, please see here.
(Reported by Koki IMON)