In a world such as ours, the essence of peaceful co-existence cannot be overestimated. We have a lot of issues that cracks the world’s unity and threaten peace across the globe and that’s why the United Nations’ efforts and recognition for the UN international day for tolerance is such a huge marker for where we want to be in terms of world peace.
In large contributions to this vision, Kunio Hara has nurtured and greatly invested himself and resources alike to this goal. Kunio Hara is the president of the Ho-me-I-ku foundation; a respected and very impactful foundation that’s centered about helping people in almost every aspect of their personal and professional life.
Kunio Hara started his career journey at a consulting firm and gradually scaled up to a manager, gaining vast experience about the work environment and also interpersonal relationships. Through these positions, he’s able to learn and properly develop an educational method that perfectly blends brain science, psychology and emotional intelligence in one. This educational method is the beginning of “Ho-me-i-ku” which translates to mean— “we live to praise and help each other”.
The effectiveness of this educational system has been proven well and beyond; having written more than 28 books in a number of major languages including Japanese, Spanish, and English, and sold to over 20 countries of the world that includes China and India.
Kunio Hara continues to be instrumental in the development of young children and adults through his foundation which is founded on the holistic teachings and values of “Ho-me-i-ku”. In a world-view, he continues to push his boundaries to see that many countries are able to enjoy the benefits of this educational system which by extension, would help to sew world peace, tolerance, and better co-existence.
As someone who was born to a Christian family that was very invested in societal growth, especially in education, one can understand the drive and pure motive of why this is a very important goal for the leader who has suggested that international integration of the Ho-me-i-ku principles would be very advantageous to the goals and objections of the United Nations; building peace and tolerance amongst nations, far and near.
The grit and character he’s built over the years with all of the challenges to forge and establish his own business, foundation, and helping over 500 companies that needed his input only goes to show how much he’s put into seeing relevance drawn from his contributions. Being the only Asian speaker to appear twice on the TEDx outside of Japan in 2022; considering his opinions would only be even more reasonable.
In a recent interview granted by Kunio Hara, he expressed his inner desires when asked— “”You have introduced this educational method to Japanese educational institutions and companies. Contributing to over 1 million people globally. Why haven’t you used this idea to stop the conflict between countries?” he responded in very clear terms about his vision for aiding the UN goal in world peace by saying—
“I thought that was a great question. As a leader who is going to send out a message to the world that people and nations exist for the purpose of praising each other, I thought it was important to do so. I think it would be a good idea to make it a rule for people living on the earth, such as through the United Nations, Disney cartoons, games, and so on. There is a lot of history, and there may have been various sad news and unforgivable things in the past, but we must look to the future, and let’s make it a rule for the people of the earth that people and nations exist to praise each other. Specifically, let’s praise each other on the 19th of every month.
It would be a wonderful tradition if we can make it a day of commemoration, and praise each other on the 19th, on TV, on the Internet, in various places, at UN meetings, at the G20, at the G7, at presidential elections, in various places, and so on. I will be happy if it turns out that way”.
The leaders’ position on appreciating each other and showing kindness, even well beyond the borders, is clear and should be encouraged by other leaders and people in position to help get a better and more tolerable world.