Hokuryu Town resident Ryoji Kikura's submission, "Prayers for Peace in Sunflowers," was published in the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper's "Readers' Voices" (August 13th morning edition).

Monday, August 15, 2022

The Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper's "Readers' Opinions" (morning edition, August 13th) featured a post by Ryoji Kikura (84 years old), a resident of Hokuryu Town, which we would like to introduce to you.

Hokkaido Shimbun

Posted by Ryoji Kikura

We have received permission from the person in question to publish the post, so we would like to introduce it to you.

A prayer for peace in sunflowers

Agriculture Ryoji Okura 84(Hokuryu Town, Sorachi District)

On the 6th, a memorial ceremony for the victims of the atomic bomb and a peace prayer ceremony were held at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park with prayers for peace.

On the same day, 2.3 million sunflowers were in full bloom across a 23-hectare field in Hokuryu Town. Many visitors stood in prayer, facing the midsummer sun and admiring the beautiful, vibrantly blooming sunflowers.

We also received words of thanks from everyone, such as "Thank you for allowing these beautiful flowers to bloom." We felt a strong desire for a bright and peaceful society free from war and disaster, and we reflected on the significance of having cultivated these flowers with the help of the townspeople for 42 years.

Also on the 6th, a forum was held in Sapporo, hosted by the Hokkaido Food and Life Association, calling for the use of organic agricultural products in school lunches, where heated opinions were exchanged.

As farmers, we cherish the idea that "food is life," and we continue to produce safe food by joining forces with our families and communities, using our hands, skills, and hearts. I believe that this is what will lead to the flowers of peace blooming like sunflowers in full bloom.

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