Voyage of remembrance strengthens ties

The "Bereaved Children of the War Dead Memorial Friendship Project" marked its 35th year with a solemn memorial service held aboard a ship docked in Manila Bay on 6 June 2025. Ambassador Endo Kazuya participated in the event, which coincided with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The project aims to honor the memory of war victims while promoting friendship and mutual understanding through visits to war memorials, local schools, medical facilities, and other institutions. This year’s event featured an overseas memorial service at sea, with the ship departing Kobe, Japan, on 1 June. Along its route, the ship conducted ceremonies at various locations, including the East China Sea, before arriving in Manila Bay.

Onboard the ship, a memorial service was held for all war victims. The ceremony included a heartfelt address by Mr. Mizuochi Toshisada, chairman of the Japan Bereaved Families Association, followed by a commemorative speech from Ambassador Endo Kazuya.

Following the service, a reception brought together representatives from the Philippines Department of Tourism, the Philippine Red Cross, and a children’s facility based in Manila. The event highlighted compassion and solidarity through a touching chorale performance by a diverse group of participants. The performers ranged from elderly children of war victims in their 90's to their younger family members who accompanied them, symbolizing the continuity of remembrance across generations.

As part of the outreach effort, the project also donated wheelchairs and school supplies to the children’s facility. Each box of supplies was thoughtfully prepared by bereaved family members and included origami cranes and personal messages created by every participant of the memorial service. These gestures emphasized the project’s goal of fostering hope and healing alongside remembrance.

The ship departed Manila’s port on the evening of 6 June, continuing its journey across the Pacific Ocean with plans to return to Kobe Port on 11 June.