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From Life to Life

Messages from women participating in the Matsuri.

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Wakako Oe

I*m now contacting women who will be participating in the "century of
Women-ness" on August 7. So far, the participation of the following women
are confirmed.

Mitsuko Kakubari (potter, owner of a food store): "I*d like to discuss about
becoming aware of our woman-ness through the use of fabric sanitary
napkins."
Yuriko Takahashi (Hobbit Mura) "I can talk about my own experiences of
pregnancy, childbirth and child rearing."

Toshiko Toriyama (Kenjino Gakko) "I can participate on August 8."

Sei Yamada (Amanno Kai) "I will participate in the Human Rights Forum on
August 4, and Women*s Forum on August 7.

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Sayuri Takahashi

I want to talk about our relationship with "the birth of life" as women, and
address the question of "what is this experience of pregnancy and birth that
is exclusively given to women? What does it mean for each of us to have
such body?"
I will be showing a video on birth (you may get to see the video of my
birthing in July)
I*d like to start my presentation by "learning more about women*s body."

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YAKKO Nishimura

I hope that a good vibration will spread throughout the Matsuri from the
Women*s tent. May it lead to ONE LOVE.

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Sumako Tamura

In order to pass on information on what the Japanese has actually done, I
suggest to review the 20th century and recapture it from the viewpoint of
women*s history.

I want to show the movie "House of Nanum Part: lifebreath"
Hear about the history of "comfort women" from Yumiko Haneda (Nashino Kisha)
Musical by Tennenboku from Aso
Song for Mountain God, African Dance, FANGA

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Midori Uchida

I want to show "Kugutsu", a movie on the issue of "comfort women" directed
by Kenji Maeda.

Musical by Tennenboku

I want to invite Shin Sugo, a Korean Japanese resident.
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Kyoko Ide

I would like for the women*s forum to be a participatory forum that
incorporates group work, where all participants can share their thoughts.
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Asako Fujita

I would like to learn more about the way of life of Native Women.
I would also like to share information on women*s body from the standpoint
of Kaiigaku.
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Bianca

On the role of women*s tent:

The tent could be a place where people can meet one another, honoring a feel
of a comfortable caf* or a salon, instead of a place where we go to "learn."
The place could function as the center that handles women*s security issues
and information on the Matsuri grounds.
How about putting up a sign that shows that it is a place that cares about
women*s safety?

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Taeko Shimizu

>From the standpoint of "co-habitation" in the original sense, there is a
question of whether "women*s tent" is actually necessary. However, I
believe it is necessary for security for women in emergency cases.

How about using the tent as a place for "relaxing" and "mingling"?

I hope that the tent will be a place where we can "co-habit", where people
gather, "peace" is born and where we can borrow "wisdom" from guests.

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Tomoko Usui

The workshop of human symphonic theater by Junko Watanabe is a place where
the works of Kenji Miyazawa is expressed through the human body.
Maybe we can do an outdoor program of Swedish environmental education.
How about organizing a children-centered workshop?
I know a teacher of Macrobiotic cooking, so how about doing a cooking class
where we can enjoy one another?
How about core-counseling that opens up women*s hearts (I know someone who
can do it).
There are many groups that are seriously working for an environment that
supports on natural child rearing and breastfeeding, so it might be
interesting to hold a summit for such groups.
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Kaoriko Yamaguchi

I want the women*s tent to be a place where we can enjoy quiet and spend
time safely, and a place for healing. I imagine a place where there is
always a gentle, soft spirit of the fire, amidst the aroma of sage, incense
and herbs.
It would be great if women active in various fields can exchange information
and talk about issues particular to women.
What I want from the Inochino Matsuri the most is to focus on the issues
that are happening right now and make it a place where people can begin to
find out about "real information." For example, It would be wonderful if we
could have a chance to learn the real meaning of thanking life*s offering.
through food, by learning how they are produced.

How about making one of the trees to be a tree of prayer, and tie tobacco
ties and ties with prayers written on it. We can then burn these ties in
the fire of prayer. Through the spirit of fire, I want to pray for the new
life emerging in the year 2000 and beyond.

Reira

It is said in the myths that when people attempt to overcome difficulties as
a group, the energy of the goddess will surely wake up.
The prayers emerging from the meeting of supple women who can nurture the
relationship of "life" will create the age of Aquarius.

Sakino

Women*s tent is for women*s children only. Please use it as a place for
songs, handcrafts, storytelling, chatting, discussion, cooking and a place
for information exchange. Please use it as the Matsuri*s independent
security and information station, a place for emergency shelter and a place
for receiving complaints.

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