Tokyo, April 3: As a part of the events to commemorate the 50 years in exile, Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan & East Asia organized “Thank You Japan” event in Tokyo to thank the Government and people of Japan for their support and encouragement during these critical 50 years in exile.
Representative Mr. Lhakpa Tshoko welcomed the gathering and said that during the course of these 50 years, the Government and people of Japan have showed good understanding and comparatively good support to the Tibetan cause. He spoke about the tragedy of Tibet since Chinese occupation in which 1.2 million died and 6000 monasteries were destroyed.
Mr. Lhakpa described the current situation in Tibet as tense, as if it is under martial law. With Tibet shut out to the foreign media and diplomats, he fears culture genocide going on in Tibet.
He briefly dwelt upon the history of Japan-Tibet relation, and thanked the Government, monasteries, institutions and individual supporters who all greatly helped the Tibetan people in rehabilitation process and to continue their struggle for peace and justice. He reiterated his gratitude and requested for this continued show of support to the Tibetan people.
Mr Yukio Edano, a Member of Parliament, Chairman of Japanese Parliamentary for Tibet said he was happy to be able to participate in this event. In his opening remarks he said, “Actually it is we, Japanese have to thank the Tibetan not the other way round, despite great difficulty and hardship, the Tibetan people fought courageously for the peace, justice and freedom for their homeland. We have greatly learned from their rich and peaceful culture and from their indomitable spirit.”
He said Mongolia has also lived under communist regime for some 90 years; today they are freely practicing their rich Buddhist culture. “Tibet too shall have the days of its freedom and we shall continue to work through our Parliament to bring peaceful resolution to the Tibet issue”
Other speakers were Mr. Nakano, President of OISCA International and Mr. Hiraoka of Seifu Gakkuen School, two long time supporters of Tibetan people. Representing Tibet supporters in Japan, they spoke on how they came across the Tibetan issues, and felt the need to do something to help victims of oppressive regime. They also said about the great need to preserve the great religious culture of Tibet and concluded their statement that Japanese people will continue to stand by the Tibetan till the days of freedom visit Tibet.
Around 170 Japanese and Tibetans gathered at Kosenenkin Hall at Shinjuku, Tokyo to participate in the two-hour events. The event was covered by some medias representing Newspapers and local televisions.
Many Japanese participants gave interviews and expressed high regard for the teaching of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his approach to solve the Tibetan issue through mutual discussion. Many expressed their view that the Tibet issue is not an internal affair of China; it is an issue of human right and justice that international communities must seek to address. Some said Chinese attitude is testing Tibetan people`s patience, but there definitely will be a bright light at the end of dark tunnel. Many felt happy that their efforts to do something for Tibet have been recognized by the Tibetans through this [Thank You Japan] event.
report filed by Office of Tibet, Japan
