Peace Boat cruise to set course for better Japan-Korea ties

Peace Boat, a Tokyo-based organization that charters liners semi-annually, will host a unique cruise to encourage better understanding between Japanese and South Koreans this month.

"When people talk about Japan and South Korea alone, they often end up arguing over which is better or which is worse," said Shinsaku Nohira, who came up with the idea for Peace Boat.

"But once we go to Asia together and face common issues caused during past wars and the recent economic development period, we will be able to understand each other better and improve Japanese-South Korean relations."

Peace Boat officials say that since 1983 they have been offering passengers the opportunity to gain a more balanced view of history and current international affairs through cruises.

This spring's 22-day cruise, scheduled to depart Feb. 26 from Yokohama, will stop in Amoy, China; Da Nang, Vietnam; Kompong Som, Cambodia; Muara, Brunei; and Subic Bay, the Philippines.

Nohira hopes the cruise will encourage participants to think about some common issues related to Japan and South Korea, as well as how they reflect on other Asian countries. Such matters include pollution caused by businesses, prostitution tours and wartime incidents that still arouse hostility today.

So far, about 30 people from South Korea -- including representatives from organizations such as the Young Writers Solidarity for Vietnam and the Korean House for International Solidarity -- are scheduled to join the cruise.

Byun Young Joo, director of the documentary film "Mumbling," is also scheduled to be on the cruise, Nohira said. Nohira says he is looking forward to seeing more Koreans who share similar views participate in the cruise.