Copyright　2016 "STONE FOR PEACE ASSOCIATION OF HIROSHIMA" ALL rights reserved.

The Stone for Peace has been sent as a witness of the tragedy and a messenger of the preciousness of peace to heads of state all over the world thanks to the warm and positive cooperation of diplomatic corps in Japan.

A presentation ceremony, hosted by the recipient country, usually takes place in the capital where ministers, senior officials, diplomatic corps and the ambassador of Japan or his representative attend along with the head of state or his deputy. Open space is sometimes chosen as the venue where local people can attend. Music and dancing by local artists are often arranged to give the ceremony local flavor. The ceremony is followed by a cocktail party, providing a precious and valuable time to have a free conversation with the head of state. The ceremony is fully covered by local media.

Speech addressed to head of state from Stone for Peace Association of Hiroshima -- Excerpts --

Today, on this memorable day, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Your Excellency for agreeing to receive our Stone for Peace. It is an honor for us indeed that we have this opportunity to present this Stone as Hiroshima's heart to you who have been making great efforts to keep the world peaceful.

Upon presentation of the Stone, a fountain pen is given to the head of state as a gift. The pen holder is painted with makie (Japanese lacquer with gold powder) that has more than 1,500 years of history as traditional Japanese craftwork. The pen is given in the hope that the head of state will use it when signing an agreement or treaty regarding peace.