Swords into Plowshares

A Letter from Thomas Goetz, long-term mission volunteer in Japan

Winter 2024

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Dear friends in Christ, 

Hibakusha Hall, Sapporo, Japan

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of our time, I am reminded of the profound calling we share as followers of Christ—to be peacemakers in a world often fractured by conflict, fear, and misunderstanding. This calling is beautifully encapsulated in the words of the prophet Isaiah: 

“He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”  (Isaiah 2:4 NRSV) 

Isaiah’s vision of peace, where instruments of war are transformed into tools for nurturing life, is not merely a poetic aspiration; it is a divine mandate that continues to challenge and inspire us today. In the spirit of this vision, I am pleased to share with you a significant development in our community—one that reflects our deep commitment to peace, education, and the legacy of those who have suffered from the horrors of war. 

Hokusei Gakuen Educational Corporation, deeply rooted in Christian values and dedicated to fostering peace, has recently decided to accept the transfer of the “Hokkaido No More Hibakusha Hall” along with its extensive collection of exhibition materials. This hall, established in 1991, is the third of its kind in Japan and the first in the private sector to exhibit materials related to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is a place of profound significance, housing artifacts, testimonies, and other items donated by survivors of these bombings—known as hibakusha. 

Model – Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall

For decades, the Hokkaido Hibakusha Association has faithfully managed this museum, ensuring that the stories and experiences of the hibakusha are not forgotten. However, as the association faces the inevitable challenges of an aging membership, they have made the difficult decision to dissolve. It is in this context that they approached Hokusei Gakuen, a trusted partner, to take on the responsibility of preserving and continuing the mission of the Hibakusha Hall. After careful deliberation, our board of directors has agreed to accept this important trust, with the official transfer scheduled to take place after March 31, 2025. 

This transfer is not merely a change in custodianship; it is a profound continuation of Hokusei Gakuen’s long-standing commitment to peace education. Our relationship with the Hokkaido Hibakusha Association and the Hibakusha Hall is not new. Since the hall’s inception, our teachers and students have been deeply involved in its activities, recognizing the hall as an invaluable resource for educating young people about the devastating impacts of nuclear war and the importance of peace. 

Hokkaido has a unique connection to the history of the atomic bombings. Many hibakusha relocated to Hokkaido after surviving the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, while others were originally from Hokkaido and were stationed in Hiroshima at the time of the bomb. The hall was established in response to the growing desire among these survivors for a space where they could freely share their experiences and contribute to the global movement against nuclear weapons. Over the years, it has served as a sanctuary for reflection, education and advocacy. 

Paper Cranes, Symbols of Peace and Healing

The decision to transfer the hall to Hokusei Gakuen aligns with our broader mission of integrating peace education into every level of our educational programs, from junior high to university. We believe that peace is not simply the absence of conflict but the active pursuit of justice, understanding and reconciliation. This belief is at the heart of our Christian faith and our educational philosophy. 

In 1995, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, Hokusei Gakuen issued a “Peace Declaration,” reaffirming our commitment to fostering peace through education. This declaration emphasized our responsibility to educate future generations about the consequences of war and the importance of working towards a world where, as Isaiah envisioned, “nation shall not lift up sword against nation.” In 2004, we issued another statement, inspired by the Beatitudes, particularly Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Most recently, in 2022, we released a statement addressing the invasion of Ukraine, further solidifying our stance against war and our commitment to peace. 

The transfer of the Hibakusha Hall is a tangible manifestation of our dedication to these principles. It is an opportunity to honor the legacy of the hibakusha, to educate future generations about the realities of nuclear war, and to inspire them to be agents of peace in their communities and the world. 

As we move forward with this important work, I invite you to join us in prayer and reflection. Let us recommit ourselves to the path of peace, guided by the words of Isaiah and the teachings of Christ. Together, we can build a future where swords are indeed turned into plowshares, and peace is not just a hope, but a reality. 

Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in this sacred mission. 

In Christ’s Service, 

Thomas Goetz