(Minghui.org) Ube is a beautiful seaside city located in southwest Yamaguchi Prefecture. The Ube Festival is a three-day event that celebrates the establishment of the city, and originated 70 years ago. Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the parade held on November 5, 2023, which was attended by approximately 100,000 people. The parade consisted of 27 groups, with 2,000 participants. 

Falun Dafa practitioners’ procession at the Ube Festival on November 5, 2023. 

Spectators on both sides of the street applauded when the Tian Guo Marching Band passed by. Parade organizers introduced them, “The Tian Guo Marching Band was first established in New York in 2005. Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is an ancient cultivation method. Practitioners abide by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Falun Dafa is practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide.”

People Support Falun Dafa

Mr. Matsuoka 

When Mr. Matsuoka heard how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) persecutes Falun Dafa, he said, “I hope China becomes a country free of human rights’ violations.”

Plaudo Uada from East Timor praised Falun Dafa practitioners. 

After he learned the extent of the persecution, Plaudo Uada from East Timor said, “Falun Dafa practitioners are standing up for innocent people who are persecuted. Good job! I hope you succeed. You are doing the right thing. We give you our full support.  Keep up the good work!”

Mr. Nakazaki said, “I hope that the persecuted individuals in China persist on like overseas Falun Dafa practitioners.”

Ms. Kennkou (left) and Ms. Iwamoto (right) 

As they watched the Tian Guo Marching Band’s performance Ms. Kennkou and Ms. Iwamoto said, “The formation is very neat. They smile while they perform and they look energetic.”

Islam Nabiul from Bangladesh admired the Tian Guo Marching Band. 

Islam Nabiul from Bangladesh took video of the Tian Guo Marching Band and said, “The music is elegant and great. There are different types of instruments in the band. It is very good.”

Benefiting from Practicing Falun Dafa

Mr. He Yongjun, a member of the Tian Guo Marching Band, said, “I started practicing Falun Dafa in 1996. I felt that Falun Dafa was what I needed the minute I read the book, Zhuan Falun, and I decided to practice. I previously had problems with my liver. After I began practicing, I became very healthy and no longer needed any medications or to go to the hospital. I have been very healthy for 28 years now.”