(Clearwisdom.net) On April 27, Falun Gong practitioners from Japan held activities in Tokyo and Yokohama to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the April 25th Appeal and call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong.
On the morning of April 27, local Falun Gong practitioners assembled in a Tokyo park. The Divine Land Marching Band, consisting of practitioners, performed at the rally. Two city council members attended the rally and gave speeches.
Mr. Tsuchiya, a Tokyo city council member
Mr. Tsuchiya, a Tokyo city council member, pointed out in his speech that more and more people in Japan have learned about Falun Gong and are aware of the persecution. He said, "We should let more people know about it. I hope that one day practitioners can go back to China and hold parades like this one on Tiananmen Square. The sun will rise and justice will prevail. I support Falun Gong and I am willing to challenge the communists for your freedom."
Mr. Yoshida, a Tokyo city council member
Mr. Yoshida, a Tokyo city council member, said, "I believe that we must strive for freedom and human rights. I support those who are struggling for these rights. I encourage Falun Gong practitioners to stand up for their freedom and human rights."
Ms. Wu Lili, a local Falun Gong practitioner, told the story of her sister who had been arrested 19 times for practicing Falun Gong and badly tortured. Zhou Jinhua, another local Falun Gong practitioner, shared that her sister was jailed at Masanjia Forced Labor Camp for practicing Falun Gong. Local practitioner Zhang Yanhui's brother was tortured to death for practicing Falun Gong. These practitioners called for help to stop the persecution of their loved ones and all practitioners.
Mr. An Donggan, the vice chair the Coalition of Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong, Asian Chamber, expressed in his speech that more and more people are paying attention to the persecution. He believed that the persecution will not last long, because people from all walks of life are supporting practitioners and trying to help stop it.
After the rally, attendees held a parade. The performances by the Divine Land Marching Band attracted many people.
The parade
The Divine Land Marching Band
People stop to watch the parade
Many citizens accepted the truth-clarifying materials. Some asked for more information about Falun Gong, and some wanted to learn the exercises.
Distributing information about the persecution
Distributing information about the persecution
An older woman said, "I cried when I learned how Falun Gong practitioners, a group of innocent people, have been persecuted. I was shocked. We should not allow this to happen."
Mian Ali, a restaurant owner, said, "I don't understand the Chinese government's behavior. Everyone should have basic human rights. The Chinese government should not persecute them."
Ms. Ishihara of Tokyo took videos of the parade. She encouraged practitioners to stand up for their freedoms.
Ms. Nishikawa learned about the persecution from practitioners
Ms. Nishikawa has been to China, and she speaks fluent Chinese. She said she learned about the persecution of Falun Gong from practitioners. She said she enjoyed the parade and the performances.
A Chinese woman asked for information about the exercise site. She told practitioners that she wanted to start practicing Falun Gong a long time ago, but she was afraid of doing so in China. Now she is Japan, so she wants to learn the exercises.
Category: April 25 Events
