Japan became a member of UNESCO in 1951, five years ahead of becoming a member of the UN. Such an early admission was a result of the earnest non- governmental movements then widespread in Japan, which expressed a strong desire for peace. The inauguration of “UNESCO Cooperation Associations” at Sendai, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe in 1947 stimulated a similar mobilization in the government and the Diet. This started a large-scale joint operation, at governmental and non-governmental levels, to seek Japan’s admission to UNESCO. Following this admission, the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO and its secretariat was established and the “Law Concerning UNESCO Activities” was promulgated in 1952. Two years later, in 1954, the Meguro UNESCO Association was born.

The UNESCO movement, along with the UNESCO spirit, has been guided by three principles. Firstly, each association should be autonomous; secondly, voluntary members should support these associations; and thirdly, the central or local governments should basically be responsible for UNESCO activities. In other words, for more than 50 years, the UNESCO association activities have always been in cooperation with local administrations. The Meguro UNESCO Association has followed the guidelines since the outset, 50 years ago. In the 1950’s it seems there were many associations of a similar nature, but not many could sustain their existence for half a century. Among those which have survived in Tokyo, only the Suginami UNESCO Association is older than Meguro.

What are the elements which have supported us in these 50 years? Let me list some of them:

-  As you can see in our Mission Statement*, the founder and other leaders conscientiously followed the “UNESCO spirit”.

-  Both the Meguro City government and the Meguro Board of Education showed good understanding on the nature of the movement and actively participated in it, as stipulated by law.

-  People in the region and those who are concerned have rendered us full support.

-  We have engaged in activities appropriate to the times and have developed our activities with an eye on the future.

-  Voluntary members have managed the activities and they have high respect for one another.

Those who render voluntary service do what they can, when they can. Thus they are in a position to listen to others open-heartedly with appreciation. There is no distinction in significance for voluntary service. Some tasks involve leadership, others may require technical skills, and still others may appear relatively menial. But they are all equally important in supporting our UNESCO activities.

Peace cannot easily be attained and therefore it is all the more necessary for us to be a visionary movement. In looking to the future, we are trying to obtain the status of a legal entity for the Meguro UNESCO Association. It is my wish to move forward, respecting the wishes of the founder and our predecessors, for the sake of our next generations.

* See Short News 194 (March, 2003 issue)