At a glance: Japan

Japan Committee for UNICEF celebrates 50 years

© UNICEF video

Children from all over the world sing, “It’s A Small World After All”

TOKYO, Japan, 1 May 2005 - Japanese youth and children sang and danced along with marching bands in the crowded streets of Tokyo to celebrate the Japan Committee for UNICEF’s 50th Anniversary.

The street parade culminated with a grand event at the National Sumo Stadium where UNICEF leaders, Japanese politicians and many families gathered to honour the Japan Committee’s work over the last five decades.

Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito, who was accompanied by his wife, Princess Masako, spoke at the event.

© UNICEF video

Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito addresses the crowd

“In the present world many children still need support and protection of their human rights,” said Prince Naruhito. “As the father of a three-year-old daughter, I cannot overlook their problems.”

Japanese Goodwill Ambassador Dr. Agnes Chan was another guest speaker. She recently toured the conflict-addled Darfur and talked the violence the children in that region endure on a daily basis.

Additional guest speakers were UNICEF former Executive Director Carol Bellamy and the Executive Director of the Japanese National Committee Yoshihisa Togo. UNICEF Executive Director Ann Veneman sent a special video message that was shown at the event – thanking the Committee, the Government and the people of Japan for helping the world’s children.

For the last five consecutive years, the Japan Committee has been the largest donor of private funds raised for UNICEF around the world.

The event ended with a rousing rendition of “It’s a Small World After All” sung by schoolchildren from many nations, each clutching a flag from their home country.