Japanese Peace Boat arrives in Kochi

Kochi, Oct 10 (UNI) The Japanese 'Peace Boat', with more than 1,000 nationals of various countries on board, arrived here this morning with the message of peace, friendship and sustainability.

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

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' group at Sarovaram Hotel and a friendly football match at the Parade Ground in Fort Cochin.

The ship's inmates 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' alongwith 38 Municipal Councillors, at Q6 Berth at Ernakulam Port.

Peace Boat is a Japan-based international organization that travels around the world by the 30,000 tonne ship, which has 'PEACE BOAT' painted in large letters on the side.

This is the ship's 59th 'Around the World Voyage'. It has been calling at Kochi for 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, and and will return to Japan on January ten, 2008.

The ship will depart for Acaba in Jordan at 2200 hrs. tonight.

UNI