Fukushima Youth Ambassadors 2025: Learning, Sharing, and Growing on Peace Boat's Global Voyage

Since 2011, Peace Boat, the local Fukushima-based community organisation Minamisoma Kodomo no Tsubasa, and Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) have jointly organized the Fukushima Youth Ambassadors Project. This initiative offers children from Fukushima, affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami and subsequent nuclear disaster, opportunities for healing, education, and global exchange. Over 100 young participants have joined Peace Boat voyages and other programmes offered around the world. In the summer of 2025, three junior high school students from the city of Minamisoma took part in Peace Boat’s 120th Global Voyage, embarking on an 18-day journey filled with challenges, learning, and discovery.

From Setbacks to Adventure

The journey began with unexpected delays caused by a typhoon. Stranded in their transit city of Hong Kong, the students turned the disruption into an opportunity—navigating the city, tasting local cuisine, and experiencing cultural differences. These early trials encouraged them to act independently, communicate with locals in English, and embrace the spirit of adventure.

Crossing Continents, Joining the Ship

After traveling through Vancouver, Seattle, and Alaska, the students finally boarded the ship in Sitka. Life onboard introduced them to a diverse international community. They joined daily programmes, met onboard Guest Educators, and began preparing a presentation about their hometown, Minamisoma.

Sharing Fukushima with the World

One of the highlights was their presentation on Minamisoma’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Speaking to a packed audience, the students demonstrated creativity by introducing themselves in multiple languages and actively engaging with listeners. Their talk received enthusiastic applause and sparked many conversations with fellow voyage participants, allowing them to proudly share their community’s story with the world.

New Experiences at Sea and Ashore

Beyond the presentation, the students enjoyed unforgettable moments—watching dolphins and visiting Alaskan glaciers. Onboard, they interacted with both children and adults from various countries, participated in language exchanges, and challenged themselves with activities such as balloon art, boccia, and Spanish lessons. They also had special sessions connected to the TIME FOR PEACE project onboard, such as hearing the testimony of a Hibakusha, or atomic bomb survivor from Nagasaki.

Workshops and Deeper Learning

Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) staff also hosted workshops on themes such as disaster recovery, dialogue, and “measuring richness.” These sessions encouraged the students to think critically, value diverse perspectives, and reflect on what it means to live and support one another in society. Discussions ranged from minority rights to peacebuilding and community resilience.

Lasting Impact

As the voyage neared its end, the students shared final reflections on what they had learned: turning setbacks into opportunities, the importance of communication, and the richness of connecting with people across cultures. At a farewell dinner, they expressed gratitude to mentors and new friends who had supported their growth throughout the journey - including atomic bomb survivor Kuramori Terumi pictured below.

Returning to Minamisoma after 18 days, the students carried home not only memories but also a strengthened sense of identity, confidence, and responsibility. As one Peace Boat staff member noted, “Each day, they grew visibly. They learned to put their growth into words and share it. I hope they will continue to make use of what they gained here—not only now that they have returned to Minamisoma, but also in the future—in their own way.”

The 2025 voyage reaffirmed the Fukushima Youth Ambassadors Project’s mission: to empower young people with resilience, global awareness, and the courage to shape their own futures.