Photo= Higa (left), who became the one-millionth visitor and received a commemorative gift = 11:10 a.m., August 3, Kyoto Museum for World Peace, Ritsumeikan University, Kita Ward, Kyoto

"Kyoto Museum for World Peace, Ritsumeikan University," the world's first peace museum founded by a university, in Kita Ward, Kyoto, broke the one million visitor mark on August 3. A ceremony was held and commemorative gifts were given to the milestone visitors, or approximately 40 children and their staff escort from Kyoto City's Omuro child welfare facility, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto.

In the ceremony, Ikuro Anzai, the museum's honorary director, said to the children, "Please look at the collection inside for as long as time allows." Shogo Higa, a staff member of the children's facility, mentioned that the facility arranged a visit to the museum every year, and said, "Each time I see the exhibits, I become keenly aware that unbelievable things happen in war. I see the children also strongly feel the horrors of war."

The museum was established in May 1992, on the basis of the educational and academic philosophy, "Peace and Democracy." It holds exhibitions related to World War I and II, and the Iraq War. It also introduces activities of citizens who protest against violence in pursuit of peace. Roughly 50,000 people visit the museum every year. As last year marked the 70th anniversary of the end of the World War II, the museum drew the attention of international media, including that of China and South Korea.