The following is a message from Koji Yuki, Representative of Ainu Art Project, and a WPPD 2004 JAPAN Committee member.

We are all aware
How our hearts are crying out and losing its form

We are all aware
How our children have lost the spark in their eyes
As they keep stepping on their lonely shadows in the deep valley of concrete
buildings

We are all aware
How the ego of our generation
Continues to rob the environment from the next generation

Let us return to our hearts once more
To the awareness we receive from the earth on which we stand
Return to the awareness we receive from the sky under which we stand

The sunshine warms and protects us all, including those of us who have
trespassed
We shall not betray its kindness, its greatness

Let us bring back our prayers and give thanks
Beyond language, joining our souls
As people who live under the same sky
Let us bring back the ancient prayer
The prayer that protects peace

Koji Yuki
Ainu Art Project