Half a century since Japanese peace activists set up a group that campaigned against the Vietnam War and helped deserters from the U.S. military escape to Europe, the group's legacy lives on.

As some warn of growing reactionary tendencies in Japanese politics, researchers and present-day peace activists see significance in the way the Japan "Peace for Vietnam!" Committee, known by its Japanese acronym Beheiren, committed itself to its goals.

Former Beheiren activists, for their part, want to pass on their experiences to others who seek peace.