“Prior to the Summit, Volunteers Appeal for Ceasefire Amid Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: G7 Leaders Urged to Intervene” – Tokyo Shimbun Web

A press conference was held at the House of Representatives No. 1 Members’ Office Building in Nagatacho, Tokyo by a group of scholars and journalists, including professor emeritus Kenji Isesaki of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and former president of Iwanami Shoten Atsushi Okamoto. They issued a statement calling on the G7, including Japan, to push for a ceasefire amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The statement called for an end to arms aid and a forum for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Supporters, including journalists, professors, and former university presidents, also emphasized the need for a ceasefire for the sake of fair peace and saving lives. The group collected signatures and statements on Change.org and plans to deliver them to the Japanese government and participating countries’ embassies before the G7 Summit.

Kenji Isezaki, right, and others hold a press conference calling for a ceasefire once morest Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the House of Representatives No. 1 Members’ Office Building in Nagatacho, Tokyo.

A group of scholars and journalists, including professor emeritus Kenji Isesaki of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and former president of Iwanami Shoten Atsushi Okamoto, held a meeting at the House of Representatives No. He held a press conference and issued a statement calling on the Group of Seven (G7), including Japan, to call for a ceasefire now.

Regarding the current fighting, the statement said, “North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries donated weapons on the battlefield.trend（Suusei）It is taking on the aspect of a proxy war, as it influences the situation.” He called on the G7 to end arms aid and create a forum for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. More than 30 people including Soichiro Tahara, a journalist, Chizuko Ueno, professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, and Yuko Tanaka, former president of Hosei University, were among the supporters.

Isesaki emphasized, “A ceasefire is a political maneuver to avoid a tragic end to the war and a temporary freeze on the status quo for the sake of fair peace. An immediate ceasefire is necessary for the citizens of Ukraine and the citizens of the world.” Kumiko Haba, professor emeritus at Aoyama Gakuin University, said, “A ceasefire is not a defeat or a victory for either side. It is regarding saving lives and building a peaceful world order.”

The group uses the signature site “Change.org” and asked for their approval. The endorsement signatures and statements will be handed over to the Japanese government and the embassies of participating countries before the G7 Summit (Hiroshima Summit). (Okunohi)



In conclusion, the call for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has gained support from various scholars, journalists, and activists in Japan. The group emphasizes the importance of ending the proxy war, which only adds to the suffering of innocent citizens. They call on the G7 to take action and create a forum for negotiations between the two nations. The signatures and statements are set to be handed over to the Japanese government and the embassies of participating countries before the G7 Summit. A ceasefire may not be a quick solution, but it is a necessary step towards building a peaceful world order.