To share the strength of life that actress Norika Fujiwara encountered among the Afghans whose land had fallen into disrepair.


We, the committee members, would like to present how Norika Fujiwara came to actualize her photo exhibition motivated by her strong sense of responsibility, which we share and support.


Norika Fujiwara is a Japanese famous actress who is active internationally in the world of movies and television. She was born and raised in Hyogo Prefecture, which was hit hard by the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. Having witnessed and experienced the warm hands of help and support provided to her locals from both in an abroad, Fujiwara developed a strong sense of appreciation towards charity and volunteerism.


Fujiwara was deeply shocked at the tragic event of September 11 that took place in New York. Fujiwara, who has a host family there, has said that the sorrow and pain she felt during her visit to Ground Zero in January 2002 was beyond description. At the same time, however, her abundant imagination brought her to Afghanistan, where the attacks from allied forces still continued. "What was happening in Afghanistan now? Is there anything I could do?" she thought. Thus, it did not take too long before Fujiwara decided to act. Despite facing objections and many difficulties, she was determined to actualize her will. For Fujiwara, everything started from New York, where she developed her concern and gained courage.


Once entering Afghanistan, however, her journey was much tougher than she had expected. Among the things that came into Fujiwaraﾕs view was a hotel smeared with blood, unexploded bombs, and the Afghans leading their lives amid land mines. Fujiwara intended to provide children some good time and brought crayons and sketchbooks, only to witness a child drawing a picture of her mother being lashed by Taliban. Fujiwara felt helpless to see what she meant well had actually brought back bad memories to the child, and wondered if there really was anything she could do for them.


In fact, it was Fujiwara herself who was encouraged by the children.
"Khandaku!! (Smile)," the children told her with their smiles. Despite the hardships they face, the children were strong and were full of life. "I'm going to be a teacher and make this country a better place," said a child, while another said: "I want to be a doctor and help the sick people." Fujiwara was deeply moved and was empowered by the power of life of these children.


After returning to Japan, Fujiwara was confident that what she could do was "to share with many people what Afghanistan had given me." She has compiled a photo album with selections of pictures she took during her days in Afghanistan. The pictures were also exhibited in different parts of Japan. Thanks to the warm support of many people, the exhibitions have been very successful.


For Fujiwara, her challenge started in New York. She was motivated and empowered in New York. And she was even empowered in Afghanistan. Fujiwara believes that holding the photo exhibition in New York is a way to show gratitude to her favorite city. She hopes to present the preciousness of the power of life to many people, disregarding nationality or political views.