Japanese 'Peace Boat' arrives in Kochi

A 'Peace Boat' from Japan, with more than 1,000 nationals of various countries on board, arrived in Kochi on Wednesday morning with a message of peace, friendship and sustainability.

The 'Peace Boat' arrived at 0800 hours with 997 Japanese, ten South Koreans, six New Zealanders, six Britishers, three Australians, two Canadians, a German, an Equadorian and a Mexican national on board, said Santhosh Kumar, one of the local organisers of the visit.

The 'messengers of peace' have a packed day ahead of them with a variety of activities, including an interaction with the members of the Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad at the Maradu Panchyat, a session of yoga with members of the 'Art of Living' at Sarovaram Hotel and a friendly football match at the Parade

Ground in Fort Cochin.

They will also go on a sightseeing tour of Kochi, watch a fashion show of Indian dresses, visit a spice farm and take a backwater cruise.

In the evening, Kochi Mayor Mercy Williams will visit the 'Peace Boat' along with 38 Municipal Councillors at Q6 Berth at Ernakulam Port.

'Peace Boat' is a Japan-based international organisation that travels around the world on the 30,000 ton ship. This is the ship's 59th 'Around the World Voyage.' It has been calling at Kochi since the past five years.

The halt in Kochi will be the third port of call on the three-month journey, which started from Tokyo on September 23, 2007. It will return to Japan on January 10, 2008. The ship will depart for Acaba in Jordan at 2200 hours later tonight.