Dear NvT, The Nonviolent Alternative Research Project was established in June 1991 in order to research and investigate various nonviolent political, economical and social alternatives for Japan, both internationally and nationally in accordance with the Japanese constitution1 and in response to the Japanese government's increasing efforts and successes, resulting form various external and internal pressures, to escalate Japan's indirect and direct military roles in the world. The premise of the project's work holds that the declarations of Article Nine of the Japanese constitution and the will that it be positively implemented, by the majority of Japanese citizens, as well as other peoples, i.e. South East Asia, be translated into international policy on the part of Japan, one of the world's most economically powerful nations, could serve as a guiding force toward conflict resolution by nonviolent means in the world. However, most recently, the dispatch of Japanese troops to Cambodia under auspices of the UN Peace Keeping Forces, the unprecedented rise in military spending, along with Japanese munitions and military technology production, exports and imports, and moreover, the ongoing national debate over whether or not to amend the constitution in order to legalise militarism, all suggest Japan's future role in international affairs to be that of a military super power, contrary to the above. In order to confront this political and economic reality, the Nonviolent Alternative Research Project for Japan has embarked on the publication of a report which lists, and gives persuasive arguments for, real nonviolent possibilities for Japan in the future. Accordingly, we are submitting this letter to your prestigious organization in the hope that you might assist us in this cause. Our request is that you might send us the following: * a brief summary of your organization's history, founding ideals, raison d'etre, as well as objectives, plans and research related to the idea of nonviolence and alternative nonviolence means in conflict resolution. * statements, declarations and/or articles published by your organization that: stand in support of and express the great importance of nonviolence alternatives to international and/or social conflicts; or clearly oppose uses of violence. * statements, declarations and/or articles (similar to the previous) published by your organization that deal specifically with the Japanese issue. In realising the information we are requesting is quite extensive, we certainly do not expect that you may supply us completely. Yet, as your statements in support of nonviolence means to solve conflicts, in the world and by Japan, are of great importance to this research project, we would greatly appreciate your sincere cooperation in this matter. Please send all materials to the following address at your earliest convenience. Also, feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. Thank you in advance. Lisa A Prevenslik Nonviolent Alternatives Research Project 3-105 Otaki House, 4-21-8 Kyonancho Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180, Japan. Ph 81-422-33-2410. Notes: 1. The article states,"Aspiring to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes. In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognised."