Title: The Roles of the International and Japanese Networks of Museums for Peace

Author: Kazuyo Yamane, Expert Advisor, Kyoto Museum for World Peace (Japan)

Abstract: The International Network of Peace Museums was founded in 1992 when the first International Peace Museum Conference was held in Bradford, England. In 1998, when the Third International Peace Museum Conference was held in Osaka and Kyoto, the Japanese Citizens' Network of Museums for Peace was formed. Japan is the only country with a national network as well as a peace museum movement according to Dr. Peter van den Dungen (former INMP coordinator). The international network organizes international conferences, publishes newsletters and books, and “the Museum for Peace Worldwide”. We have been compiling guidebooks, exchanging exhibitions and promoting other activities. The Japanese Citizen's Network also organizes a national conference, and publishes "Muse" newsletter both in English and Japanese. It has also a mailing list to exchange information. I would like to report on the roles of the domestic and international networks, how students think of them and consider some challenges for the future.