Orient and South East Asian Lions Forum Held in Kobe
Though there had been several events held prior to this, it was the Opening Ceremony held on Friday Nov. 8, 1991, in the vast Kobe Port Island (World) Hall from 1:30 p.m. that really got the 30th Orient and South East Asian Lions (OSEAL) Forum off to a grand start.
More than 13,000 participants, including some 2,600 from 11 foreign countries, gathered in Kobe to promote "Lionism" and the philanthropic aims of Lions Clubs International. They had come to discuss regional problems, in particular problems relating to the environment under the theme of "Prosperity in the Green," as well as to deepen regional friendships.
As the participants, many of them in native dress or official Lions Clubs vests, filed into the hall, excitement was in the air. Welcoming them was the brass band of the Hyogo Prefectural Police whose playing made a lively background.
Once people found their seats and had finished taking pictures, the entertainment began in earnest. The lights dimmed and the sound of traditional Japanese instruments was heard, and then on stage appeared the dancers of the Mineo Asuka dance troupe.
Asuka is a widely respected artist who is known for her interpretive dances. The dances performed were a stylistic presentation of the four seasons of Japan from the cherry blossoms of spring to scenes of winter.
In the finale, dancers performed all exciting Japanese-style lion dance that was a fitting tribute to the thousands of Lions who were gathered in the auditorium.
The dances were followed by a spectacular laser show and then a short video presentation that traced visually the history of OSEAL forums from the beginning 30 years ago in Manila to the present.
The forum was deemed open when forum Chairman L. H. Tsuchihashi, after a very brief welcoming speech, hit the official gong and announced that it was time for the Grand Parade of the Steering Committee members, the Chief Delegates and District Governors from all the districts represented, and other important people including Lions International President Donald E. Banker and his wife and past President Judge Brian Stevenson and his wife. Waves of applause and cheers greeted them as the moved down through the center of the hall to the stage.
After the national anthems of the United States and Japan were played, several speeches were delivered. First to greet the participants was Council Chairman Hiroshi Takeuchi who thanked the 13,000 participants for coming to the forum and hoped that not only would they enjoy great success during the convention, but also that they would enjoy being in the city of Kobe.
Governor Yoshitami Kaihara of Hyogo Prefecture, after warmly welcoming participants, spoke about the prefecture and the many grand projects that are going on at present in the Kobe area, including the new Kansai International Airport and the expansion of the highway system around Osaka Bay.
Following Governor Kaihara, Kobe Mayor Sasayama greeted guests, stating that Kobe, with its ongoing interest in preserving the environment was the ideal venue for this year's forum.
After the mayor's speech, the Asuka dancers once more took center stage and presented a serious of dancers that, though they were traditional in character, featured an interesting blend of Western-type music.
When the dances had finished, Mr. Yoneshima introduced Lions Clubs International President Donald E. Banker, who praised his Kobe hosts for not only planning an excellent, friendly and enjoyable forum, but also for giving him the opportunity to play golf, a sport for which it is widely known he has a great passion.
Referring to the meeting and to Lions Clubs in general, he said: "This is an extremely exciting time. We are accomplishing more today than at any other time in our history." He went on to talk about "Sight First - Lions Conquering Blindness," a campaign on which the Lions Clubs are focusing much of their efforts now. With this, he introduced Judge Brian Stevenson who is the chairman of the Sight First campaign and Past president of Lions Clubs International.
Also speaking during the Opening Ceremony were Chief Delegates and District Governors Kern-Tsan Yang of Taiwan, Jose Lim Eng Chuan of the Philippines, Albert Wong of Hong Kong/Macao, Goh Seng Chee of Singapore/Malaysia/Brunei, Gi-hong Jang of Korea, Saguanchai Tanvetyanont of Thailand and others. Following the singing of the Lions hymn, the meeting came to an end with the ringing of the official gong.
Great Pleasure to Welcome You
Donald E. Banker, International President
Dear OSEAL Forum attendees:
It is my very great pleasure to welcome you to this 30th Orient and South East Asian Lions Forum. It is my earnest hope to meet all of you personally.
We are now in our 75th year as an association. Those years have been full of accomplishment. We have helped millions upon millions of people to live happier and more useful lives. Now, we must redouble our efforts to reverse and prevent blindness in many millions more. Sight First is the largest task we have ever undertaken but with your help we will succeed.
Lionism in your area is strong now and getting stronger every day. I want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication and involvement.
Honored to Serve as Host of Forum
By Hiroshi Takeuchi, Council Chairman, Multiple District 335
As a chairman of Multiple District 335, I am both pleased and honored to have been given the opportunity to serve as host of the 30th Orient and South East Asian Lions Forum here in Kobe.
This forum, which enjoys the participation of some 15,000 Lions members from the Orient and South East Asia, offers a unique opportunity for all to exchange opinions on the Green - appeal from Kobe Forum."
Our purpose is to contribute to environmental preservation all over the world, especially because destruction of the natural environment is one of our most pressing problems. I am also encouraged by the timing of this forum, when one considers that unspoiled nature is the most important gift that we can pass on to future generations in the coming century.
It is my wish that all participants continue to promote friendship and mutual understanding while contributing to the promotion of the Lions' spirit during the forum.
In closing, I wish all of my fellow Lions good health and prosperity.
Success of Sight First Campaign
The Sight First Campaign currently being conducted by Lions Clubs International is attracting wide attention for its humanitarian services to the public.
Judge Brian Stevenson, past international president of Lions Clubs International, took the stage at the Caucus Meeting held on the evening of Nov. 7 to promote better understanding and support of the campaign. Outlining the goals and activities of the campaign, he stressed the urgent need for large-scale donations. He reported that he had requested the cooperation of all OSEAL representatives in making this campaign a success at the Area Coordinator meeting held Nov. 4 to 7.
The Sight First campaign is a top priority programs of Lions Clubs International.
Aims of Lions Clubs Bared
At a press conference held on Nov. 8, Lions Clubs International President Donald E. Banker discussed the basic aims of Lions Clubs around the world.
Prior to his talk, General Secretary Imagawa welcomed the press in a briefspeech. He noted that when plans were being drawn up for the OSEAL conference, 10,000 people were expected to attend. However, in the final tally, more than 13,000 people showed up including 2,600 from abroad.
Introducing the theme of the conference - Prosperity in the Green - Imagawa expressed his hope that through the forum discussions mutual understanding among all participants would be reached. Next, Banker took the floor and pointed out that the Lions' primary aim on an international scale was to prevent and cure blindness, under a program known as Sight First - Lions Conquering Blindness. Banker pointed out that,
"There are 1.6 million Lions Club members in 171 countries who are dedicated to conquering preventable blindness. This program was launched two years ago in developed countries and as a result, preventable blindness is largely under control."
He mentioned that the program currently being pursued in developed nations is aimed at conquering diabetic retinapathy and glaucoma, which are the main causes of preventable blindness.
The focus is now being turned on the 40,000,000 blind in developing nations, and over the next five to 10 years "it is our aim to change this situation on a worldwide basis," he said. "We are now in the process of raising 130,000,000 dollars to do this."
As for progress thus far, Banker pointed out that Lions Club clinics in South America have had great success in curing glaucoma. Members often go out into the villages to bring people to the clinics for the simple 20-minute operation. Moreover, a Lions Club clinic is now teaching ophthalmic technicians how to perform this operation to speed up efforts to eradicate the disease.
As for support from Japan, Banker praised Japanese contributions thus far. "Japan has 175,000 members, second only to the U.S., and they are playing a very active role in supporting this program," he said.
International Night Held
A musical evening, "International Night," was held in the Kobe International Conference Center on the evening of Nov. 8. After a day packed with meetings, OSEAL forum members were able to relax and enjoy a variety of music by some of Japan's best amateur musical talents. MCs for the program were Cina Daswani, a popular DJ with Kobe's "Kiss FM" radio, and Minoru Ozone, probably Kobe's best loved jazz musician.
The entertainment began with a Dixieland jazz performance by the Royal Flush Jazz Band which set the tone for a lively evening. Tenor soloist Kiyoshi Igarashi then sang a selection of Japanese and popular songs (and the everlasting favorite "O Sole Mio)."
While the stage was being prepared for the final act, members of the audience were invited up to make international phone calls courtesy of KDD. The grand finale was a set by the Makoto Ozone Group, with special guest Minoru Ozone. This band has been well received worldwide for its unique brand of Latin music.
Japan Fielding 2 Candidates for International Director
Kobe Portopia Hotel was the venue for a cocktail reception on Nov. 8 in honor of Lion Yuji Yamaguchi and Lion Robu Tsuchiya, nominees of Lions of Japan for the position of international director of Lions Clubs International. This is the first time Lions of Japan have fielded two candidates for the post. Elections will be held in Hong Kong next year.
L. Yuji Yamada is a charter member of Fujisawa Lions Club, District 330-B, and including club president, district governor and Governor's Council chairman, MD 330. The 100 percent District Governor's Award, nine Melvi Jones Fellow Awards, and the Charter Monarch Chevron Award, are just a few of his achievements. Currently, L. Yamaguchi is president of the Enoshima Kanko Company and president of the Fujisawa City Tourist Association.
Nominee L. Robu Tsuchiya is a member of 337-A District Fukuoka Lions Club, and was admitted as a district governor in 1986. A committed humanitarian and a medical specialist, Tsuchiya received the Order of the Blue Ribbon for his contributions to social welfare. His candidacy resolution emphasizes that famine, disease and fear of conflict must be eradicated if world peace is to be achieved. Tsuchiya now coordinates the M.T. Nata Care Center, one of the best care institutions for Japan's elderly people.
Hundreds of OSEAL Forum participants filled the reception room for the presentation, and the atmosphere quickly became festive. Rousing cheers and applause greeted the candidates who each gave a short speech at the end thanking Lions of Japan for their support.
Forum Seminar Ends in Success
The Forum Seminar, held on Nov. 9, was attended by many participants and ended in great success. Haruaki Nakamura, the keynote speaker, opened the forum with a speech entitled "Nature and Prosperity" in which he stressed the need for worldwide preservation of the Earth's sea, land and sky, which are rapidly being destroyed by mankind.
He ended his speech reiterating the theme of the forum "Prosperity in the Green," reminding the audience of the increasing challenge and need of ensuring a peaceful coexistence between nature and humanity.
The keynote speech was followed by a panel discussion in which Dato Douglas K.K. Lee of Malaysia spoke on "Prosperity in the Green." He stated that mankind is faced with the choice of "prosperity in the green or non-prosperity in the brown," referring to the destruction of the Earth's environment.
Quoting from the Policy Statement on the Human Environment published in October 1972 by the Lions Club International, he reminded fellow participants that "Lionism is one of those international organizations that should join efforts for the preservation and improvement of the human environment for the benefit of all people and their prosperity."
In ending, he pointed out that as mankind is responsible for the destruction of the environment, it is only fitting that they be responsible for its renewal.
Blacker Sia of Taiwan, in his speech entitled "Laws are not Enough," pointed out that there are many ways in which individuals and organizations can help alleviate environmental pollution. He outlined specific goals Lions Clubs and members could work toward in assisting governments to promote environmental protection. They are: establishing community recycling centers and reinvesting profits into social activities; planting trees; banning smoking in public places; promoting the car pool system; and promoting the use of recycled paper.
In his speech entitled "the Earth in Crisis: Educating the Public," Mr. Justo Ortiz of the Philippines stressed the need for launching an information drive by Lions International to promote environmental protection. He pointed out that although the first step may be a simple one, the process can be long and tedious. As such, perseverance is of the utmost importance as it is the single most effective way to realizing such objective.
Dr. In-Ho Chu of Korea outlined steps taken by the Korean government to ensure a "healthy and pleasant" environment to all its citizens, citing international agreements on environment issues in his speech entitled "Environmental Preservation in South Korea - a Call for International Cooperation from the OSEAL Countries."
In closing, he listed four points to be emphasized in the national campaign on environmental protection which could be undertaken by all Lions in the OSEAL region, namely, raising public awareness of the need for environmental protection; the need for environmental issues to be considered in policy-making decisions at all levels; increasing Lions antipollution campaigns and the collaboration of international efforts to mitigate pollution.
In "Prosperity in the Green," Satoru Ogasawara of Japan cited the population explosion as the major cause for the rapid depletion of the Earth's natural resources and the escalation of environmental pollution. One solution to preserving the environment is to curb further expansion of population through the diffusion of education and eradication of poverty.
Meanwhile, industrialized nations should formulate and follow through on policies aimed at preserving and restoring the environment. In this, he urged that Japan should not only provide technological assistance and ODA but curb the wasteful use of limited resources such as timber.
Youth Exchange Seminar
The first Youth Exchange Program Seminar to be held in an OSEAL forum took place on Nov. 9 at the Kobe International Conference Center. Speakers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan were on the panel.
The seminar was chaired by L. Itaru Yamamura, YE chairman of MD 335, a district which has contributed much to the development of the YE program in Asia.
The Youth Exchange program was set up as a means to enable young people to visit other countries and learn about the culture and lifestyle of other peoples. Initiated in 1961 from youth exchanges between District 302W-1 (currently MD 335) and MD 4 in 1961, it was officially recognized by the Board of International Directors the following year.
L. Toshihiro Ohtsuka, chairman of (host) District 335 A, took up the challenge of how to sustain and improve the YE program in Asia. Better communication was needed, he said, between the chairmen of various districts, and he recommended that chairmen accompany students on their visits and, especially, that all future OSEAL forums hold a YE seminar.
Problems in orientation also needed to be overcome, he said. Not only should visiting students be made aware of OSEAL aims, they should be oriented to the culture of the receiving nation and to their host families.
L. Wang Hai-sheng of Taiwan, however, emphasized the procedural improvements that could be made, and said that the orientation difficulties encountered should be analyzed rather than criticized. "We need to be positive about the program," he said, "and give young people the chance to transcend their national borders."
Better funding was an issue taken up by L. Keiichi Emoto, who urged that Youth Camps be made a priority in YE. He said that if each member of OSEAL in Japan were to contribute 1,000 yen, this would amount to 150 million yen, enough to support the project well into the future. "This is my dream," he said.
The seminar closed with all representatives agreeing on the importance of YE to international Lionism, and the need to act on the various proposals advanced during the seminar.
"Fellowship" Reflects Colorful Flavor of 30th OSEAL Forum
A bazaar and "Fellowship Activity" Focus Room opened in Kobe International Exhibition Hall No. 2 were the most popular items. Also popular were the stalls selling Japanese foods, with Japanese delegates the best customers, and traditional Japanese handicrafts, bought mainly by Taiwan and Korean visitors.
The scene in the bazaar reflected the colorful international flavor of the 30th OSEAL Forum, with some of the women shoppers attired in their national dress and the men wearing their special Lions Club aprons. An xylophone quartet treated the guests to a recital as they wandered around the stalls. For many delegates unable to leave their busy schedule to shop and sightsee in Kobe, the bazaar and Focus Room provided an ideal place where they could relax and browse at leisure.
Welcoming Banquet Honors Mr. and Mrs. Banker
A welcoming banquet was held Nov. 9 in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Banker, lions Clubs International President, in the prestigious Kobe Portopia Hotel.
Welcoming the couple, R. Nagata, District Governor of hosting Lions Club MD 335, paid tribute to the USA as the birthplace of Lions Clubs International.
He also expressed his gratitude to the assembly for making the 31st OSEAL Forum such a success, and told them that over 15,000 members had registered for the Kobe event, a record for OSEAL. He said that MD 335 was especially honored to be hosting the forum on the 75th anniversary year of Lions Clubs International, and pledged funds and cooperation to Lions Clubs International Foundation in recognition of the anniversary.
In his address, Donald E. Banker said that while 75 years may not seem a long time compared to the history of civilization and democracy, the accomplishments of Lions Clubs International in that time were indeed remarkable - so much so, that the countries of Eastern Europe were now using the organization as a means of reestablishing contact with the free world. "One hundred and seventy-one countries, 1,500,000 members and 42,000 individual Lions Clubs are working to make communities better places to live, work and play," he said, and cited the Lions aid program for the blind, "Sight First," as one of the most successful current projects of
Lions Clubs International. "You make me proud to represent you as the 75th president of our association," he said.
The assembly of 800 guests then watched a performance of "The Wisteria Girl," a popular traditional Japanese dance, and after drinking a champagne toast to Mr. and Mrs. Banker, settled down to enjoy the banquet. The evening of fellowship closed with all guests holding hands and singing in Japanese the Hail Lions song "Till We Meet Again."
Special "Ladies Program" Organized
A special "Ladies' Program" was organized Nov. 9 for delegates of the 30th OSEAL Forum and VIP guests Lions Clubs International President, Donald E. Banker and his wife. Among the special attractions were an exhibition of Japanese wedding kimonos, a tea ceremony and a classical Japanese music recital. For most of the foreign delegates this was their first contact with aspects of traditional Japanese culture.
Two models resplendent in both the white and multi-colored wedding kimono greeted arrivals at the entrance way, and beautiful embroidered kimonos were also displayed on stands around the large reception room.
Highlighting the kimono exhibition was a costume procession by an Edo Period "geisha" and her male and female "servants." Modeled by members of the MD 335 Lions Club (Kobe Harbor), the group paraded around the room and kept very busy complying with requests for photographs. By the end of the program, however, the atmosphere had become so friendly that it was the models who were requesting photographs with the guests.
After the parade, the group assembled at a "chanoyu" tea stand where tea was prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Banker. The tea ceremony was in the elegant and subdued "nodate" style, and is considered very special for being performed before a "standing" chanoyu and with participants seated rather than in the customary kneeling position. Tea and Japanese cakes were also served to other guests as they admired the exhibition or listened to the classical music recitals.
Performances on the koto, syakuhachi, and the rare "ichigenkin" (or "sumagoto") provided the musical backdrop to the proceedings. Many foreign guests said that they were familiar with the sound of the koto but had never seen one before, and were impressed by the musicians' skill in playing such a large instrument. As the most popular of Japanese traditional instruments, the koto held no surprise for the Japanese guests, but many had never heard nor seen the "ichigenkin." This is an extremely simple classical instrument, having only one string stretched across a wooden board.
Next Venue Countries Offer Invitations
Hong Kong - 75th International Conventions
The mood was friendly and relaxed as more than 300 people gathered together on the evening on Nov. 7 at a party held to encourage Lions Club members attending this convention to take part in the upcoming 75th Lions Clubs International Convention next year in Hong Kong from June 22 through 27.
Lively conversations ensured throughout the room, which had been decorated to reflect the attractions of Hong Kong as a host city for the event that is expected to attract 40,000 participants.
An opening speech was delivered by Hong Kong/Macao District Governor Albert Wong who welcomed those in attendance and promi ed that Hong Kong was ready to roll out the red carpet for them. Wong spoke excitedly about the time "... when the busy streets of Hong Kong will be filled with Lions Club members."
Following Wong, International President Donald Banker spoke briefly mentioning how pleased he was to be in Kobe and how much he and his wife were looking forward to the upcoming Hong Kong convention. A video introducing the attraction of Hong Kong was then shown, after which a grand toast was proffered by representatives from the Hong Kong chapter.
Kuala Lumpur - 31st OSEAL Forum
Past council chairman Dr. K. ("Naga") Nagaratnam of Multiple District 308 (Brunei, Singapore and Malaysia), and other delegates of MD 308 hosted a cocktail party for over 250 guests on Nov. 9. The occasion was held to promote the 31st OSEAL Forum taking place in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia next November, Dr. Naga will be the 31st OSEAL Forum Chairman.
Although the annual forum is regularly rotated among OSEAL member countries, the MD 308 Lions Club have to wait their turn as three individual states. Douglas K.K. Lee, present International Director from MD 308, described the natural and urban charms of his capital city, while Lions Clubs International President Donald E. Banker, said that Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia was like Kobe in Japan, "one of the most beautiful cities in the world." Dr. Nagaratnam extended typical Malaysian hospitality in his speech welcoming future guests of the 31st OSEAL Forum: "I'll be waiting for you with open
arms," he said.
MD 308 expects 7,000 delegates to attend the 31st OSEAL Forum, and hopes that at least 3,000 of these will come from Japan, which has the largest number of OSEAL members.
Closing Ceremony Held for 30th OSEAL Forum
The closing ceremony for the 30th OSEAL Forum was held on Sunday morning Nov. 10 in the Main Hall of the Kobe International Conference Center. Kicking off the program was a lively presentation of music offered by the Kobe City Fire Brigade Brass Band.
Following this, L. H. Tsuchihashi, forum chairman, officially opened the ceremonies and asked that everyone join in singing "Song of the Hail Lions." Then, in delivering words of thanks to the Lions Clubs of Japan for their cooperation in making this forum such a success, Tsuchihashi wished everyone a safe journey home and great prosperity in the coming year.
This speech was followed by remarks by International Director Nobuharu Kikuchi, who expressed he feelings of many Japanese present - that it was a great honor to hold the 30th OSEAL in Kobe, - and also to have in attendance both the International president, Donald E. Banker, and the director of the Sight First campaign, Judge Brian Stevenson, and their wives.
Next came two official reports, one covering the results of the Forum Seminar whose theme was "Prosperity in the Green" and another , the results of the Young Exchange Seminar. Ryoichiro Nagata, in delivering the report on the Forum Seminar, said that the end result of the seminar was a far better understanding of global environmental crises. Next, Hiroshi Takeuchi announced the various resolutions which had been passed during the forum.
The next order of the day was the presentation of a certificate of gratitude to Eiichi Tanigawa, past international director of Japan, for stepping in at the last moment during the 29th OSEAL Forum in Manila to take over the duties of the international president who was unable to attend the meeting. Tsuchihashi, in thanking Mr. Tanigawa, mentioned his hard work and leadership qualities and how they served the forum so well during that time.
Following the presentation Tsuchihashi announced Japan's two new international directors for next year. Dr. Tsuchiya of Fukuoka and Mr. Yamaguchi of Fujisawa. Tsuchihashi then invited Dr. K. Nagaratnam, the 31st OSEAL Forum chairman from Kuala Lumpur, to accept the official baton as host of the next forum. In a short speech, Dr. Nagaratnam urged everyone to come to Kuala Lumpur next year and participate in the forum whose theme will be "We Are One." This was followed by an enchanting performance by the Yumenodai High School Music Club of traditional Malaysia melodies using indigenous Malaysia musical instruments.
Yasuo Imagawa, Secretary-General of the forum, then announced the final attendance figures: a total of 15,792 had attended the forum, among whom 2,825 had come from other countries. The ceremonies came to an end with the singing of the "Song of Lions' Spirit."
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