TSNJ HOME > PEACE MARCH for TIBET 2008 > report（English）
On 8th March, Tibet Support Network Japan and Tibetancommunity in Japan
observed the 10th March Tibetan uprising anniversary in Tokyo. In the morning,
somefifteen to twenty Tibetan and Japanese supportersmarched to Chinese
embassy in Tokyo. FlutteringTibetan National flag, they sang Tibetan nationalanthem
before the embassy's main gate.
SFT representative read a memorandum drawing embassy's attention to resolve
the Tibetan issue peacefully at the earliest. The activist raised slogans
demanding human right and freedom in Tibet. As per Tokyo city police regulation,
only five persons were allowed to stand before the gate. So the demonstrators
took in turn. Although it was holiday on the day, some Chinese officials
passed in and out from the main gate, they showed no reaction. The memorandum
was put in the embassy's post box. The protest lasted for an hour and was
concluded with singing national anthem once again and a prayer for world
peace.
The group later joined the main gathering at Shinjuku Park; from where the actual march for Tibet took place. Nearly hundred Japanese and Tibetans have gathered at the park. Mr. Kubo Takeshi, Chairman of Tibet Support Network Japan presided over the gathering and spoke on the important of Tibetan issue and world peace. He stressed on the need for Chinese authorities to take this Tibetan seriously and consider the peaceful approach of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mr. Makino Seishu, Representative of Japanese Parliamentary Group for Tibet, welcomed the gathering and said that Tibetan struggle is not a problem of Tibetans only, it is an issue related to peace and stability in Asia and the world. He called upon Chinese communist leaders to open China for peace, democracy and freedom. He said however powerful China may be, with its belligerent and bully attitude, China couldn't win love and respect of the world.
The march started from Shinjuku Park with great fervor, raising slogans calling upon China to respect Human right, religious freedom and genuine autonomy in Tibet. They also called upon UNO to pay attention to Tibet issue. Some taken away with emotion, called for `Free Tibet` and `China get out of Tibet`.
The march passed through the central street of Shinjuku, one of the busiest
cities in Tokyo. Many passer by stopped to see the march and some raised
their caps and hands to show their solidarity.
Nearly 100 Japanese and Tibetan participated in the march. On the day, Shinjuku Street saw a very colorful street demonstration with the people clad in Tibetan outfits, many putting on caps with the design of Tibetan flag. Some local media also came to cover the event.
When asked to an elderly passer by, who happens to know something about Tibet, `presence of many Japanese youngsters carrying Tibetan national flags with public cry `Free Tibet` echoing in the Tokyo street is a rare sight, but for the Chinese authorities it is a warning saying that Japanese public are not silent about Tibet`. Commented the gentleman.
Many Japanese youngsters expressed relief and happiness for being able to participate in the march and expressed their support in every possible manner.
They proposed more interaction between Tibetan and Japanese for better understanding and cooperative effort to pressure Chinese authorities to free Tibet. The march concluded at Shinjuku Kumin Kaikan, Shinjuku Public Hall where a get together was done. Mr. Kubo and Tibetan community leader thanked the participants and spoke about the forth-coming Tibetan Olympic Torch relay event on 16th March; many participants enthusiastically endorsed the event and called upon everyone to participate in this Tibetan Olympic Torch relay in Tokyo.
From the office of TSNJ (Tibet Support Network Japan),Tokyo
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