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TOGETHERNESS  PEACE CARING |
The life and vision of Hiroko Kimura is an inspiration to modern
society. As a painter and a member of the International mouth and foot
painting association, poet and visionary, she has managed to connect
people of all races, cultures and abilities. Hiroko’s paintings and
poetry have spread around the world, giving people a chance to feel and
touch peace. Despite her serious disability she continually challenges
herself to keep creating a simple and peaceful environment for herself
and others to live in. Hiroko has also established two guesthouses in
Japan and Australia, Tsuchi No Yado (Inn of the Earth), to express her
vision of life – peace, simplicity and togetherness. She believes
however, that all these achievements have only been possible, thanks to
the collective love and support of her many friends around the world.In our modern world, despite our material abundance, many people are still unhappy or depressed. Hiroko’s childhood experience of war has turned her into a seeker of peace and her current vision of life is peace, – a world with no war. No war can be fought in the name of peace. She believes that if countries and people unite and focus on their common humanity rather than on their own self-interest, people and countries for example won’t need to fight each other for natural resources. Hiroko believes that only a shift in our values will make this possible. Live life simply and in harmony with our surrounding environment – this she feels is one of the ways to create a peaceful world.
Manabiai (learning and sharing) and Manabiya (places for learning and sharing) – these expressions have flowered from Hiroko’s personal experience of life with her disability and carers. She has encountered many dynamics between carers and those with disabilities and feels that a change is needed in the way that carers are trained. Modern society stresses the technical and academic aspects of caring, however it is emotional support, understanding, kindness and friendship that people with disabilities require most of all. Manabiya is Hiroko’s vision to create an international network of living spaces around the world, where people with or without disabilities can live together, mutually supporting each other to enrich each other’s lives. Here there will be no borders or discrimination. Through this unique dance of caring and sharing, more joy and happiness will not only be bought to the world of the disabled, but also to those around them who share their lives.