Two weeks ago, my brother and I went to Japan to chaperone two of my younger cousins and their friend on their first trip abroad, and by a string of random coincidences and synchronicities, I found myself walking with the walk for a nuclear free future (Tokyo on may 8, 2004).There I found some wonderful reconnections with the likes of Hiroshi, Shingo, Marcus, Atsuko, Anton and Ishibashi-shoni. I played my flute to the drums and chanting as we marched through the streets of Tokyo, surrounded with some mildly culture shocked aussies who'd just come from 4 months marching australia. They had happened to stop in Tokyo on their way to Hokkaido and walk for a single day on my last day in Japan.

   We walked from a museum filled with a giant fishing boat that was hit by fallout from a US test explosion of an H-bomb in the 40's, now an awareness raising center for nuclear issues. We walked West by NorthWest to an electric company where a small demonstration was allready in progress. There we chanted, prayed, played and handed out fliers. After saying farewell to the place in traditional Nippon Zon Myohoji style, we crossed to have circle.

   At the end of the circle, Ishibashi spoke and told a very interesting story. Having been so moved by the death of the activist Rache Corrie, he went to the trouble of writing a song for her. He was requesting that the walkers carry the song, on a CD, along with them on the walk. He also mentioned as a side note that he wanted to give the song to Rachel's parents, such that in both directions, the message that Rachel died for might be remembered.

   It happens that Rachel went to the same school as me here in Olympia, and that her parents have chosen to take up her work in the realm of politics and awakening. Knowing that I would be but one degree of separation away upon my return home, I made this known and am now the messenger bearing one of the most moving songs I've ever heard to two people I want to give it to. It's a gift that I get to be for free, just for delivering. Better than drugs. For me, it was the reason I went to Japan.

Tyler Vega reporting
04/11/2004