Tanka poems against the war

On January 17th in 1995, a great earthquake destroyed my hometown, Kobe. I have been thinking about the earthquake every time I hear the date, but now I wonder what the date means to people in the Arabic nations.

On January 17th in 1991 Gulf War broke out. I remember that it was said "justice is done," or "the right war" at that time, but I also remember so many people especially children have been suffering because of the lack of medicine caused by "Economic Sanction" for more than decade.

In March 2003, War on Iraq broke out, which caused more tragedies in Iraq. For the last 12 years, almost all the "developed" nations have been interested in oil and money coming from there, and had little interest toward people living in Iraq.

The same happened here in Kobe. Almost all the government officials and big corporations were working for infrastructures which they think were far more important to maintain the system of Japan's economy. The lives of people in Kobe were out of their interest.

January 17th in 2015, Japanese Prime Minister traveling around Middle East announced non-military financial aid toward nations fighting against ISIL. Three days later two Japanese civilians were shown on web as ISIL's hostages.

One of them is Mr. Kenji Goto, an acquaintance of mine. Mr. Goto is a caring journalist who has been working hard to let the world know about children in war zones and in poverty. His goal is not getting money or fame. He has earnestly been working for children and future generations to make a better world.

I am very sad that a person who loves children especially in need is threatened to be killed by the people who have probably lost many of their beloved ones in this lingering war in Iraq and Syria. Ordinary people are always trampled down in wars and for money, while war mongers are earning more and more.

I believe Japanese hostages are to be freed.
Mr. Goto is a man who can work more for peace.

And I do wish people in Japan and Middle East work together to end all the wars.
The enemy is not " person," but it is "war."
The enemy is the system which makes money by waging war.
I do believe we can vanish the system together.

Please help to save Mr. Goto.

P.S. on 1st of February
It is reported that Mr. Kenji Goto was killed by ISIL.
While feeling so sorry for his family especially his two daughters, I do believe his soul will never die and keep caring for his daughters and children in need all around the world.