[April 26 (Sun) Tokyo] A Journey to Syria, a Tourist Nation, and Records of War ~ What We Can Do for the Future ~

■ Syria Support NGO Challenges Beyond Visible Aid.

What comes to mind when you hear "international cooperation"?

Delivering food, building schools. Of course, these are essential for sustaining life. We at Piece of Syria have operated kindergartens and schools, repaired school buildings, and provided education and psychological care to over 50,000 Syrian children. Now, we are proposing a new challenge: to regain pride in the future through the power of culture, beyond visible aid. Syria is a country with pride in its cities that have continued for thousands of years, a nation with a rich culture where many say, "Diversity is what makes Syria, Syria." Instead of merely lamenting the destroyed history, we aim to polish it as a "common treasure" and turn it into an opportunity for dialogue.

Culture is the strongest thread that reconnects people and weaves peace that will never be broken again. We want to find this new form of peace together with researchers of Syrian cultural heritage, the representative of an NPO who deeply loves Syria, and all the participants.

■ Three Highlights of the Event

【Immersive Experience】 Time Travel with VR and 3D Video
Experience the beautiful cityscape of Syria (Before) and its post-conflict state (After). We are preparing a new Syrian experience that allows you to reframe "news from a distant country" as "a place important to you" by 3D-modeling footage from the field in collaboration with the University of Tokyo's Hidetoshi Watanabe Laboratory.
【Special Guest】 Speaker on Training for Syrian Cultural Heritage Preservation
Masashi Abe from the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties will speak, unraveling how "protecting culture" specifically leads to the future and peace.
【Dialogue and Empathy】 From "Pity" to "Co-creation"
Instead of just passively listening, participants will discuss "What can we do?" You don't need to be an expert in international cooperation. Your "sensitivity" can be someone's strength.

■ Recommended for People Like This!

・Those who are interested in "peace" and "international cooperation" but feel uncertain about what specific actions to take.
・Those who love to travel and want to experience the cultures, histories, and "pride" of places around the world.
・Those who want to think about social issues from the perspective of "city building," such as education, cultural heritage, and regional revitalization.
・Those who want to experience a new form of peace education.
・Those who prefer to think through dialogue, listening to various opinions, rather than a one-sided lecture.

■ Event Overview

【Date】 April 26, 2026 (Sunday) 14:00 – 17:00 (Networking reception 17:00 – 17:40)
【Venue】 JICA Tokyo (Approx. 8 minutes walk from Hatagaya Station)
【Participation Fee】 Free
【Capacity】 100 people (First-come, first-served basis. Please apply early!)

■ Speaker Profile

Guest Lecturer:
Masashi Abe (Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, National Institutes for Cultural Heritage)

FAQ

What is the main goal of the event?

The main goal is to explore how the power of culture can be used to rebuild pride in the future and foster peace in Syria, moving beyond traditional visible aid.

What kind of immersive experience will be offered?

Participants will experience Syria's beautiful cityscape before the conflict and its post-conflict state through VR and 3D visuals, aiming to foster a deeper connection to the country.

Who is the special guest speaker?

The special guest is Masashi Abe from the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, who will discuss the connection between cultural preservation and peace.

What is the format of the event?

The event includes an immersive experience, a special guest lecture, and a dialogue session where participants can discuss what they can do to contribute.

Is this event suitable for people new to international cooperation?

Yes, the event is designed for people interested in peace and international cooperation, even if they are not experts. The focus is on empathy and shared creation.

What is the date, time, and location of the event?

The event will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 14:00 to 17:00 at JICA Tokyo (approximately 8 minutes walk from Hatagaya Station). A networking reception will follow from 17:00 to 17:40.

Is there a participation fee?

No, the participation fee is free.

What is the capacity for the event?

The capacity is 100 people on a first-come, first-served basis.

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