　He engages daily in diplomatic activities in the belief that an important role of a diplomat is to “make efforts towards mutual communication by building a bridge of culture and fraternity between Haiti, his native country, and Japan, his place of appointment. The production of the film, “Haiti, Coeur Ballant” (Haiti, spiritual exaltation) is one of the activities to realize his dream. It will be completed soon and released this summer. We had the honor of seeing the film for the first time as an audience. The following is the summary of his lecture.

　The Culture of Haiti is complex. It has three different roots: a native Indian culture, a European culture, and an African culture. They have dualism in that two languages, French and Creole, are spoken, two religions, Christianity and Voodoo, are believed in, and society consists of city dwellers and villagers. The soul of Haitian culture is seen mostly in common people, city streets, homes in villages and mountain villages, dirt, and often in poverty and misery. Just like all other great works of art, pain exists at the heart of the culture. This may be the reason why Haiti itself is said to be a work of art.

　There are pictures everywhere, on the walls, the streets, and the doors and bonnets of taxis. A great French writer and critic, André Malraux, praised the pictures of Haiti highly saying, “In Haiti everybody is an artist, which is not the case in any other country.”

　Music is also one of the most interesting expressions in Haitian culture. Most music compositions by Caraibes have their roots in Haiti. Music such as Kompa, Racine, Troubadours and Voodoo are characterized by many kinds of rhythm brought over from Africa.

　Religion in Haiti: It is often said that 90% of the people in Haiti are Voodooists, and 80% are Catholics. It seems to be somewhat like Japan, where 85% are Buddhists and 80% are Shintoists. Voodoo is practiced in the daily lives of 70% of the people, and can be said to be the soul of the culture.

　History of Haiti: 198 years ago in 1804, people in Haiti defeated Napoleon’s mighty army to establish the world’s first independent nation ruled by black people, the Republic of Haiti. Brave heroes of the nation such as Jean-Jacques and Dessalines　declared to the world that on that day, freedom gained a name, and that name was Haiti. It can be said that the declaration of independence rang the death knell for slavery. It was a valuable contribution to world history and culture. The revolution occurred amidst a huge volume of slave trafficking. For 4 centuries, 14 million people were bought and sold, crammed like livestock into the bottom of ships. Of these, more than 2 million African brothers and sisters died during the passage over the Atlantic Ocean. The revolution served to abolish that despicable trading.

　The Present State and our Request: We will celebrate the 200th anniversary of independence on January 1st, 2004. Unfortunately, most of the people are still living in poverty and ignorance. 60% of

adults are illiterate. Even as late as the 20th century, more than 4 million people were unable to get an education. Just 1% of Haitians control 60% of the GNP, and there is only one doctor available for 10,000 people. The child mortality rate is as high as 12%.

　We are thinking of promoting a campaign for funds, utilizing the film “Haiti, Coeur Ballant” so that by the year 2004 all children in Haiti will be granted basic human rights, be educated, receive a health service and have at least one meal a day. I sincerely appreciate your warm cooperation. I hope many people will attend the 200th anniversary of independence of Haiti on January 1st, 2004.

　The upper right picture shows Ambassador Duret, Mrs. Suzanne Akieda (French interpreter), and President Kato on the right. Many presents including the woodcraft work held by the ambassador were given to attendees by lottery. The picture at the bottom shows the room surrounded by many pictures. The painting on the rostrum was presented to the president of Meguro UNESCO Association, Ms. Kato.