Masahiro Togushi, president of the Matsuri celebration, shared heartfelt remarks during the recent event in Palau, emphasizing the significance of their visit. “We are here for only three days,” Togushi explained, “with 60 members of JCI Japan participating, alongside 22 students from Japan whom we brought with us.”
The event, organized by Junior Chamber International (JCI) — a global nonprofit organization for young people ages 18 to 40 dedicated to leadership development and community empowerment — aims to strengthen the bond between Japan and Palau. Togushi expressed, “The reason for this celebration is to build good friendship with Palau.”
Marking a profound milestone, this year’s festival also commemorates the 80th anniversary of World War II. The festivities included traditional Tokyo dancing, drumming, as well as numerous games and prizes for attendees. “We want to teach the next generation more about history and what happened in World War II,” Togushi said.
A poignant moment arose when one of the students, whose great-grandfather fought during the war on Peleliu Island, visited the battlefield. “We brought her there to see the place where her great-grandfather fought,” Togushi recalled, underscoring the deep personal connections many participants have to this history.
JCI Japan first held a similar celebration in Palau in 2016, and the organization has since taken the event to other countries, choosing Palau again this year to continue building cross-cultural friendships. “We make this celebration free so that people can have fun, enjoy, and build friendships,” Togushi added.
On August 20, the group took a memorable tour of Peleliu, guiding the 22 Japanese students through key historical sites where fierce fighting took place during the war.
With over 120 countries involved in JCI worldwide, this annual Matsuri celebration stands as a vibrant example of how young leaders can honor the past while fostering peace and friendship internationally.