Important Request for all WPPD 2004 JAPAN Participants

We ask you to thoroughly read and understand the following precautions so that we can realize World Peace & Prayer Day 2004 JAPAN in a respectful manner.

<Important request from Chief Looking Horse for all Women>

It is believed among the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Nation (many Indigenous Nations have similar understanding as well) that women who are on their ‘moon’ possess strong energy that is known as "cleansing". This is an ability to remove any negative energy the woman has been around during the month. It is called the 'moon time', because most women go through this during the strength of the full moon and also women are known to give birth during this time. Because of this tremendous energy of cleansing, they are not allowed around any items that have sacred positive significance for healing and prayers. During this time, it is known that they are the most powerful and have direct communication with all Creation, their prayers are truly powerful, they do not need any items or tobacco for their prayers to be heard. Their emotions are truly full of strength when it is focused in prayer.

On June 21, we humbly ask that women who are on their moon gather in a special circle of prayer to assist in the WPPD ceremony. There will be an Elder present to assist in this prayer. We believe this is very important to this Ceremony. (the location will be within the Asagiri Arena)

We believe that through the energies of balance we will create a strong prayer. We ask for your understanding regarding this matter.

＜What to Wear for June 21 Ceremony＞
For the June 21 Ceremony, we ask you to attend in an attire that you believe to be suited for a ceremony of prayer. Please also keep in mind the climatic and outdoors situation and the outdoor condition. For example, among the Native American people it is preferred that men wear long pants and women wear skirts, or wrap shawl over their pants.

<Request regarding Alcohol>
All alcoholic beverages are prohibited at World Peace & Prayer Day 2004 JAPAN. Unlike the Japanese who use alcohol in traditional ceremonies, the Native American people believe that alcohol affects the powers of sacred objects and ceremonies. For this reason they prohibit the use and presence of alcoholic beverages around ceremonies. WPPD 2004 JAPAN Office refrains from making value judgments on alcohol because of cultural difference. Yet in respect for Chief Looking Horse who will be using his sacred items to lead World Peace & Prayer Day Ceremony, we have determined to prohibit alcohol at the site.

＜No photography & recording allowed＞
Photographing and recording of ceremonies using camera, mobile phone with camera, digital camera, video camera, recording devices are prohibited.

＜General Precautions＞
*There are no trash cans at WPPD site. Please take home all your trash.
*If you wish to smoke, please bring your own portable ashtray.
*All dangerous items, any and all items prohibited by law are prohibited.
*Pets are not allowed within the Asagiri Outdoors Activities Center premises.
*Pets are not allowed in the ceremonial circle on June 21.
*WPPD 2004 JAPAN Office and Asagiri Outdoors Activities Center will not be responsible for any accidents and thefts in or around the WPPD site.
*You are responsible for your own personal belongings.
*Individuals with unacceptable behavior may be asked to leave.
*Visitors cannot stay overnight or camp within the Asagiri Outdoors Activities Center.
*Visitors must leave the Asagiri Outdoors Activities Center after all programs are finished at the end of each day.
*In observance of Shizuoka Prefecture Youth Regulations, all visitors under 18 must return to their lodging facilities by 23:00.
*WPPD site is located at 800m above sea level.　Temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius in the morning and night. Please make sure to bring warm clothing.
*WPPD Ceremony will be held regardless of the weather (excluding natural disasters.) PLEASE MAKE SURE TO BRING AMPLE RAIN GEAR.
*All illegal parking and actions causing hindrance to the local community.
*The site will be extremely dark in the evening. Please make sure to bring your own flashlight.
*Please make sure to bring your own utensils, plates and bowls.
*Please cooperate with one another and refrain from selfish actions.
*Please also check the website again for additional precautions.

We thank you for your cooperation in making WPPD 2004 JAPAN a harmonious gathering.