He covers 30 km a day, carrying only a small backpack containing a sleeping bag, two changes of clothes, a computer and a camera. From 2007 to 2012, he walked 12,500 kilometres from China all the way to London, spreading a message of peace. Visiting many countries, he planted 4,000 trees, met students at 700 schools and children in 200 orphanages. “Children are the ones who have the most selfless humanity,” he says.
Yuji Miyata arrived in Legnica on 23 March. He will remain here until Sunday. This is his first visit to Poland. “I was inspired by the anniversaries of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz and the fall of the Berlin Wall. That is why I am walking from Oświęcim to Berlin, carrying the idea of peace through Poland as well. I have already been to Gliwice, Mikołów, Opole and Wrocław; now I am in Legnica because the people I met along the way highly recommended this beautiful city to me. The children of Legnica are just as sincere and open as young Japanese children,” he adds. He believes that children and young people still have a chance to change the world, and that it is up to them what kind of reality we will live in.
Mr Miyata visited Legnica Town Hall and will also meet the children at the orphanage on Słubicka Street. On Thursday, he will meet students from Secondary School No. 2. He will present origami workshops to his hosts. His paper sculptures symbolise peace. On Sunday, he will set off towards Berlin.
The walking traveller believes in the wisdom of achieving even lofty goals one small step at a time. His peace mission is about fostering mutual kindness between people, showing one another gratitude and respect. “War and conflicts trample these values most severely, which is why I promote them. An ordinary smile is also a declaration of peace; it is a great force. Small acts of kindness and small steps build great works,” he adds.
UM Legnica/ii