Global Peace Foundation Japan Director, Aya Goto speaking at the festival.

As Japan continues to become increasingly diverse, with over three million foreign residents now calling it home, fostering mutual understanding and harmonious coexistence has never been more critical. Recognizing this transformative era, Aya Goto, the chair of Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Japan and Senior Vice President of GPF International, is leading initiatives designed to create genuine multicultural harmony and address historical challenges in the region, notably the reunification of the Korean Peninsula.

Goto emphasizes the power of cultural connection and historical responsibility in building sustainable peace:

“Japan is at a turning point. We must not only learn to live together with diverse communities but also recognize our responsibility toward resolving historical conflicts, particularly in Korea.”

Multicultural One Family Festival – JAPAN

Embracing a Multicultural Japan

Historically perceived as culturally homogeneous, Japan is now navigating the complexities of a multicultural society. Communities, especially those in rural areas, often find themselves adapting to interactions with people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds for the first time. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities.

To address this, GPF Japan initiated the Multicultural One Family Festival, an annual event since 2015, aimed at fostering dialogue, appreciation, and integration among various international communities within Japan.

Goto explains:

“Unlike traditional cultural festivals that often celebrate just one nationality at a time, our festival brings together diverse communities—Filipino, Brazilian, Bangladeshi, Korean, and Chinese—to celebrate unity in diversity. It’s not only about showcasing different cultures but about building lasting relationships.”

Multicultural Festival

This event goes beyond entertainment, providing a platform for meaningful interactions and collaboration among different cultural groups. Participants regularly meet to plan the festival, naturally building friendships and mutual respect along the way.

“Through these regular interactions, we’ve seen genuine relationships form,” says Goto. “These friendships and bonds become the foundations of peace and social cohesion in Japan.”

Rebuilding Family Values through Cultural Exchange

As Goto highlights, one unexpected outcome of these multicultural engagements has been the revival of traditional extended family values, something modern Japan is at risk of losing amid its fast-paced, increasingly individualistic society.

He reflects:

“Our interaction with international communities, particularly the Filipino community, has reminded us of the beauty and importance of extended family traditions. They naturally treat friends and neighbors as family, calling each other ‘Kuya’ (older brother) or ‘Ate’ (older sister). Japan can learn from this warmth and closeness.”

GPF Japan thus acts as a bridge, using multiculturalism not only to integrate foreign residents but also to strengthen traditional social values among native Japanese populations.

Multicultural Festival Japan

Healing Historical Divides: The Korean Peninsula

Parallel to its work on domestic multicultural harmony, GPF Japan actively addresses regional peace, notably supporting the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula. Goto underlines Japan’s historical and moral responsibility due to its colonial past, which significantly influenced Korea’s division.

“The division of the Korean Peninsula is not just Korea’s issue; it’s also Japan’s issue,” Goto asserts. “Our past actions contributed to this division. Therefore, we must be actively involved in healing and reconciliation.”

GPF Japan conducts regular educational forums—like the Peace Design Forum—that bring together Japanese and Korean diaspora communities to discuss and reflect on shared history and collective futures.

“Many Japanese, particularly the youth, don’t fully understand why Korea remains divided,” says Goto. “Our forums fill this gap by educating and inspiring them to become active participants in reconciliation efforts.”

These forums have not only promoted dialogue but also fostered empathy and mutual understanding, proving that peacebuilding begins with education and personal engagement.

Multicultural Festival Japan

Engaging the Korean Diaspora in Japan

Central to GPF Japan’s strategy is active partnership with the Korean diaspora. Over 400,000 Korean residents in Japan hold deep, personal ties to reunification.

Goto shares:

“A Korean friend once told me something powerful: ‘If Japan actively supports Korean reunification, it will significantly ease the lingering resentment toward Japan.’ This resonated deeply with me and confirmed that our support could have transformative power.”

Recognizing this, GPF Japan works closely with groups such as the Alliance for Action for Korea United Japan, promoting activities and events that raise public awareness about Korean reunification and further bridge the gap between these communities.

Diverse performances spread smiles at the Multicultural One Family Festival in Japan.

The Universal Vision of ‘One Family Under God’

At the heart of GPF Japan’s initiatives lies the universal vision of “One Family Under God.” This vision provides a shared ethical foundation that transcends cultural, religious, and national differences. Goto sees this concept as essential for Japan’s future.

“Japanese society is uniquely positioned to embrace this vision,” he explains. “Many young Japanese avoid formal religious affiliations yet remain spiritually open. They are comfortable celebrating multiple cultural traditions. ‘One Family Under God’ resonates strongly in this environment, providing a universal framework for peacebuilding.”

GPF Japan leverages this openness, encouraging dialogue and collaboration among diverse communities based on common ethical principles like dignity, respect, and compassion.

Looking Ahead: Youth and Community Involvement

Multicultural Festival Japan

Looking forward, GPF Japan is focusing heavily on youth education and community involvement to sustain its vision of multicultural harmony and regional reconciliation. The goal is to cultivate a new generation of Japanese and international residents committed to these ideals.

Goto emphasizes:

“Peacebuilding is not something passive; it is active and relational. We must continually foster dialogue, understanding, and cooperation. Our mission is to empower youth and communities to take ownership of peacebuilding.”

In upcoming years, GPF Japan plans to expand its educational programs, deepen its involvement with local communities, and increase its advocacy for Korean reunification, ensuring that these efforts remain a priority for future generations.

Aya Goto and GPF Japan envision a future where multicultural harmony is a societal norm and historical wounds are healed through reconciliation and active engagement. With the principles of “One Family Under God” guiding their efforts, GPF Japan continues to be a powerful voice for peace and unity, both domestically and internationally.

Goto concludes:

“Ultimately, peacebuilding is about building relationships, whether within our local communities or across national borders. If we invest in these relationships, guided by a shared ethical vision, we can create lasting harmony and peace.”

Learn more about how you can support GPF Japan’s efforts in multicultural integration and peacebuilding by visiting: Global Peace Foundation – Japan

Join us in building a world united in peace, respect, and understanding.