The Balkan Peninsula, often referred to as the “Powder Keg of Europe,”
holds a complex and turbulent history. Among its nations, Bosnia and Herzegovina
stands out as the site of the Sarajevo Incident, which triggered World
War I. This event eventually led to World War II and the atomic bombings
of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Furthermore, in the aftermath of the Second
World War, the Sarajevo Conflict gave rise to the Srebrenica massacre—the
worst atrocity in Europe since the war, claiming the lives of more than
8,000 people.
In this deeply scarred land, we carried out a peace calligraphy ceremony
dedicated to the repose of souls and the transmission of prayers. At the
Sarajevo City Hall—the very place where two world wars found their beginnings—we
delivered a speech on the “Spirit of Wa (Harmony),” expressing our heartfelt
hopes for the recovery and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and for
lasting peace throughout the world.
Organizer: Wa Project TAISHI
Project Title: Japan-Bosnia and Herzegovina
Traditional
Culture Goodwill and Peace Friendship Initiative
Support: Embassy of Japan in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Embassy of Bosnia
and Herzegovina in Japan
Aspiration
Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in Southeastern Europe, was the site of the Sarajevo Conflict (1992–1995), considered the most intense of the ethnic wars that followed the dissolution of Yugoslavia—Europe’s largest ethnic conflict since World War II.
As a goodwill ambassador officially recognized by both the governments
of Japan and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wa Project TAISHI will carry out peace
calligraphy ceremonies for repose and remembrance at six locations, including
the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a symbol of ethnic conflict and reconciliation.
On the 7th, we will pay a formal visit to the Mayor of Sarajevo to convey that Japan is a nation of peace grounded in the philosophy of Wa (harmony), and to express our belief that this spirit can contribute to prosperity across the world and in the international community.
Additionally, we will offer floral tributes at two solemn sites: the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial—where over 8,000 people were massacred in a single day—and the Olympic Cemetery in Sarajevo, which stands on one of the fiercest battlefields of the war.
Before our visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Marić kindly recorded
a video message to explain who we are, so that we would not face any difficulties
during our stay there.