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Nagasaki Peace-preneur Forum Powered by One Young World 2026

Can we contribute to peace?

We are entering an "Age of Power," where military force and coercion are once again discussed as realistic options, and dialogue and international consensus are often sidelined. In an era where information travels the globe in an instant, complex events are often reduced to oversimplified narratives of "good vs. evil" or "winner vs. loser," stripping away the essential, long-term discourse required for true resolution.

Yet, looking back at history, the most profound conflicts have been moved not by mere idealism, but by grounded, persistent dialogue. When individuals with differing backgrounds and values face one another and slowly build trust over time, they create the power to shift reality. What we may be losing today is not dialogue itself, but the courage and imagination to persist with it, even in the most difficult circumstances.

An International Conference for Global Young Leaders
Returning to Nagasaki in 2026

The Nagasaki Peace-preneur Forum (NPPF) is an international platform held in Nagasaki—a city that knows the weight of history—to nurture "Peace-preneurs." A Peace-preneur is a leader who combines a commitment to Peace with the spirit of Entrepreneurship.

We bring together "Global Citizens" across borders of nationality, race, and creed to generate the wisdom and action necessary to move reality through dialogue.

Nagasaki is a city that has experienced destruction by the extreme exercise of state power, yet it is also a place where diverse cultures have intersected and fostered dialogue for centuries. Over 80 years since the atomic bombing, this forum marks a turning point: a mission to pass on the culture of peace nurtured in Nagasaki to the next generation as a sustainable social framework.

2026 Theme: "Dialogue in an Age of Power"

At NPPF 2026, we redefine dialogue as "a force that moves reality." In a world where different versions of "justice" clash, how can international rules and dialogue play a functional role? Researchers, practitioners, citizens, and entrepreneurs will gather to transcend their respective positions and share concrete wisdom and experience.

"Dialogue in an Age of Power."

We will not let these words end as a mere slogan. We aim to transform them into tangible actions that rebuild trust and cooperation in a fragmented world. We invite you to join this next-generation movement to build a lasting peace.

Overview

Dates
Friday, May 22 – Sunday, May 24, 2026
Venue
Nagasaki Brick Hall
Participants
300 participants from Japan and overseas
*Programs held at the International Conference Hall on DAY 1 are open to the public
Languages
English / Japanese
Organizer
One Young World (OYW) Nagasaki Council
Cooperation
OYW Japan

Program

DAY 0: Encounter & Connect

19:00–21:00

Pre-event Party

DAY 1: Shake-up & Reflect

09:00–09:30

Opening Ceremony / Orientation

09:45–10:45

Keynote Speech

[Keynote Speech]The Importance of Dialogue in Fragile Times
Shoichiro Iwakiri(President of ICU)
A ""fragile era"" where international order is shaken and division is accelerating. How should we face others in this difficult modern age? Welcoming President Iwakiri of International Christian University (ICU), he will speak about the true value of ""dialogue"" that connects hearts beyond conflict, drawing from his deep knowledge of literature and liberal arts. This is an important message to mark the opening of the forum, directed at the youth who will lead the next generation.

11:00–12:00

Elective Program ①

【Dialogue】
The Importance of Dialogue in Conflict Zones:Shoko Hanzawa(Head of Delegation in Japan, ICRC)
In a world where armed conflicts are constant, what kind of dialogue is taking place on the frontlines of the harshest "conflict zones"? Welcoming Ms. Hanzawa from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), we will unravel the reality of communication in extreme situations and negotiations to save lives without distinguishing between friend and foe, based on the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. This is a dialogue that explores the "power of dialogue" applicable even to us in times of peace.

【Talk session】
Business in an Era of Conflict and Division:Takayuki Sasaki, CMO of TBM Co., Ltd. & Others and more…
Environmental issues such as climate change and resource shortages sometimes become the sparks for new conflicts and divisions. Mr. Sasaki and others from TBM Co., Ltd., which develops innovative businesses that change the world with environmentally friendly materials, will take the stage to discuss the ideal form of "future business" that balances the pursuit of profit with the resolution of social issues. This is a practical talk session on building a peaceful society through sustainable economic activities that transcend the boundaries of public and private sectors.

【Dialogue】
Nuclear Disarmament and Division:Kazuko Hikawa(Vice Director of RECN)
The international situation surrounding nuclear weapons has become unprecedentedly complex due to divisions between nuclear-weapon states, non-nuclear-weapon states, and allied nations. Together with Ms. Hikawa, who has extensive practical experience as a diplomat and teaches at Nagasaki University's RECNA, we will decipher the current state of nuclear disarmament. We will explore realistic and hopeful paths of dialogue to overcome confrontational structures between nations and advance towards a world without nuclear weapons from the atomic-bombed city of Nagasaki.

12:00–13:30

Lunch Break

13:30–14:30

Elective Program ②

【Dialogue】
How to Communicate Humanitarian Aid in an Era of Division (Dialogue):Ai Sano, Events PR, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Japan
How can we perceive humanitarian crises in distant conflict zones as "our own issues"? We welcome Ms. Sano, who delivers real voices from the field to Japanese society as a PR representative for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). We will share communication techniques and case studies to overcome "divisions" such as indifference and prejudice, and to expand the circle of support. Together with the participants, we will explore hints for "how to convey" messages that move hearts.

【 Talk Session】
The Role of AI in an Era of Division:Nao Tokui, CEO of Qosmo, Inc. & Others
While the rapid evolution of technology enriches our lives, it also becomes a factor in creating new divisions, such as fake news and echo chambers. Welcoming Mr. Tokui and others from Qosmo, Inc., who pursue the expansion of expression and creativity using AI, we will discuss a healthy relationship between technology and society. We will consider how AI should be utilized not as a tool for conflict, but as a bridge to promote dialogue and empathy.

【 Workshop】
A Workshop Crossing Borders and Divisions:Song Eunjeong & Kim Kyungmook(Social Gallery KYEUM)
When political conflicts and border walls stand in our way, art and culture become a soft power to overcome them. This is a practical workshop by "Social Gallery KYEUM," which addresses social issues in Asia through a cultural approach. Through the experience of creating with their own hands and discussing with one another, participants will discover points of contact with others across borders and jointly explore new forms of solidarity.

15:00–16:00

Elective Program ③

【Talk Session】
Conditions for Becoming a Peace-preneur: Kazunari Taguchi( CEO of Borderless Japan)Suzuka Nakamura (Moderator)
Welcoming Mr. Taguchi of Borderless Japan, a pioneer in social business that solves social issues through business, we will delve into the mindset necessary for "Peace-preneurs," the bearers of peace. The session will be moderated by Ms. Nakamura, a young practitioner actively working towards the abolition of nuclear weapons. How do we confront social absurdities and create sustainable systems? From this passionate intergenerational talk, we will learn the actions needed to take a step forward.

【Talk Session】
Peace-preneurs: Overseas Case Studies :Coming soon!
We will shed light on the frontline activities of "Peace-preneurs" who are striving for peacebuilding and the resolution of social issues not only within Japan but in various parts of the world. By unraveling overseas case studies with diverse cultural and social backgrounds, we will learn universal principles that resonate globally. By adopting a cross-border perspective, we will explore the possibilities and inspiration of new social businesses that connect Nagasaki to the world, and the world to Nagasaki.

【 Workshop】
Collaborative Program with Hiroshima Prefecture CEAPP:Koichi Iwasawa, Representative Director of Key Message International Co., Ltd.
This is a practical workshop in collaboration with the Business Council for Peace (CEAPP) (Secretariat: Hiroshima Organization for Global Peace + Tokyo Community). We will welcome Mr. Iwasawa, a global communication expert with a diverse background including international organizations and media, as our instructor. How do we verbalize and broadcast our desire for peace as a "Key Message" that reaches people around the world? We will hone practical skills incorporating perspectives of multicultural understanding and PR.

16:30–17:30

Launchpad: Youth Presentations

17:30–17:45

DAY 1 Closing

18:00–20:00

Networking Dinner

DAY 2: Confronting the Self through the Lens of Nagasaki

09:00–12:30

Elective Fieldwork: Learning from Nagasaki’s Frontlines

13:00–14:00

Lunch

14:00–14:30

Individual Reflection

15:00–16:00

Group Reflection

16:30–17:30

Closing Ceremony

17:30–19:30

After-Party

Speaker details will be released soon. Program content is subject to change.

Fieldwork

Nagasaki Stadium City

Set in Nagasaki Stadium City, we will explore the "power to connect people" that sports and entertainment possess. The sense of unity born when people with different backgrounds and values share the same moving experience becomes a great hint for overcoming division. We will learn a new approach to regional revitalization and peacebuilding led by a private enterprise, and think about how to create places that excite everyone.

Dejima

We will tour "Dejima," which was the only window open to the West in Japan during the Edo period. Guided by a curator, we will unravel how the people of that time understood different cultures and sought coexistence in this place where different languages, cultures, and religions intersected. From the wisdom of our predecessors who continued their exchange with intellectual curiosity and respect even under the restricted conditions of national isolation, we will learn hints for multicultural coexistence that connect to the modern day.

Hibakusha Techo Tomonokai (Bell of Peace, Fukuoka POW Camp Branch 14, etc.)

In this course, we will walk through the historical sites of the reality of the atomic bombing and a prisoner-of-war camp, where perpetration and victimization intersect. What is noteworthy is the process of reconciliation where the atomic bomb survivors themselves erected a memorial monument for the POWs, their former enemies, and deepened their exchanges. From the powerful steps of the people of Nagasaki, who did not let past hatred chain together but sublimated it into future peace by sharing pain, we will learn the attitude as "global citizens" to create true reconciliation and dialogue.

Nagasaki Council of Religious Leaders (Urakami Cathedral and Other Sites)

In this course, we will explore the relationship between peace and religion from two distinct perspectives. The first traces the history of suffering and prayer among Catholic A-bomb survivors through visits to sites such as Urakami Cathedral. The second focuses on interfaith connections.

In Nagasaki, a joint "Memorial Service for Atomic Bomb Victims" transcending religious barriers is held annually. A culture of mutual respect—where individuals of different faiths overcome exclusivism—has deeply taken root here. By examining the solidarity of religious leaders who have elevated differences in ideology and faith into meaningful dialogue, we will search for clues to coexistence in an era of division.

and more!

Guest

Shoichiro Iwakiri
President, International Christian University (ICU)
Profile
Shoko Hanzawa
Head of Delegation in Japan, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Profile
Ai Sano
Events PR, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Japan
Profile
Song Eunjeong & Kim Kyungmook
Social Gallery KYEUM
Profile
Takayuki Sasaki
Executive Officer and CMO, TBM Co., Ltd. / Secretary General, Resource Circulation Promotion Council
Profile
Suzuka Nakamura
Director, NPO BORDERLESS FOUNDATION
Profile
Kazunari Taguchi
CEO, Borderless Japan Corporation
Profile
Kazuko Hikawa
Professor and Vice Director, Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition (RECNA), Nagasaki University
Profile
Koichi Iwasawa
Representative Director, Key Message International (KMI) Co., Ltd.
Profile
Naoko Koyama
Representative Director, General Incorporated Association InnoDrops
Profile
Teodora Mileska
Feminist Educator & Co-Founder of PERIOD Skopje
Profile
and more!

About Forum entry

General

Starting from Day 0
(Pre-event)
20,000 JPY
Starting from Day 1 15,000 JPY

Student

Starting from Day 0
(Pre-event)
15,000 JPY
Starting from Day 1 10,000 JPY

Overseas

Starting from Day 0 /
Day 1
Free of Charge
Fees include: Program participation, local transportation during the forum, meals (Day 0: 3 dinners/2 lunches; Day 1: 2 dinners/2 lunches), and excursion costs.

Eligibility

  1. Young leaders between the ages of 18 and 32.
  2. Individuals motivated to communicate in English (specific English proficiency levels are not required).
  3. Individuals who resonate with and value the philosophy of "Peace-preneurship."

Prices listed are per person.
The secretariat can recommend accommodations for 12,500 JPY/night (tax & breakfast included, includes a dedicated networking lounge for forum participants). Please contact us by May 2nd if interested.
Please note that we cannot offer refunds for cancellations made for personal reasons.

Entry

Observer Participation

Anyone can join the DAY 1 programs held at the International Conference Center as an observer free of charge.

  1. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided for programs conducted in English.
  2. You cannot participate in elective programs held outside the International Conference Center.
  3. Food and beverages will not be provided.

Advance registration is required to attend. Please register in advance via "Entry" below.

Entry

[Nagasaki Exclusive]
Call for Scholars and Volunteers
Join the Forum for Free!

Exclusively for residents of Nagasaki, we are now accepting applications for scholars and volunteers to participate in the forum at no cost.

About Scholarships

We are seeking scholars who can participate in the forum free of charge. Please refer to the entry page for eligibility and further details.

Apply for Scholarship

About Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to support the operation of the forum. Please refer to the entry page for eligibility and further details.

Apply for Volunteer

Entry for Launchpad

Forum participants are eligible to enter the Day 1 Launchpad. Based on the results of the screening on the day, the OYW Nagasaki Council will dispatch the top presenter to the OYW Summit held in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 3–6, 2026. Please note that the Launchpad is a program exclusive to forum participants. Please be aware that there are no subsidies for participation fees, transportation, or accommodation for contestants. Please refer to the entry page for eligibility and further details.

Apply for Launchpad

Event Highlights2025 & 2024

Team Nagasaki

©NAGASAKI CITY

As a city that experienced the atomic bombing 81 years ago, Nagasaki has positioned peace as its most vital value, achieving remarkable recovery and development.

For over 450 years, it has thrived as a port city with a culture of embracing diversity and creating new value from it. Even during Japan’s period of national isolation, Nagasaki remained the country's sole window to the world through Dejima, contributing to the cultural evolution of both Japan and the globe.

The OYW Nagasaki Council, responsible for operating this forum, is a collaboration between Nagasaki’s industry, government, and academia. This forum is merely a spark for creating new ideas and a network for global transformation. To turn these ideas into reality, we continue to support Peace-preneurs after the event in collaboration with OYW through expert mentoring, connections with partner companies, and fundraising support.