Tokyo 2 July 2016: Japanese dignitaries, parliamentarians, Tibetans and guests gathered at Hotel Okura in Tokyo on Saturday to celebrate the 81st birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The celebration started with offering of mendel to the portrait of His Holiness by chief guest Mr Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang, Kalon for Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration followed by a long life prayer offering by Tibetans in Japan.

Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for East Asia and Japan, Mr Lungtok welcomed the guests and highlighted briefly on how important it is to have such a leader like His Holiness who is committed to serve and promote human values to make this world more peaceful and compassionate. He concluded the welcome speech with a note that the best birthday gift to His Holiness is to be compassionate.

Chief guest Mr Sonam T Khorlatsang shared a brief biography of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his three commitments. He also spoke on the tireless efforts made by His Holiness and Tibetan people to restore their lost freedom while making sure the cultural values remain deep rooted in every heart and mind of the Tibetan people. “Your immense love for His Holiness and continued support for Tibetans are the backbone of our strength,” he added. He thanked them for their support and further delights them by sharing that His Holiness has accepted to live till 113 years. He concluded his speech with a long life prayer offering to His Holiness and requested all humanity to practice peace and compassion as advised by His Holiness. “This is the only way one can repay the gratitude’s of His Holiness.” he added.

Mr Makino Seishu, founder of Japanese parliament member for Tibet and Chairman of Human Rights Foundation at present also spoke on the occasion.

Koichi Hiraoka, executive director and principal of Seifu high school, raised a toss and the guests enjoyed the varieties of food and drinks while listening to the live performance by Tibetan singer Mr Tenzin Choegyal.

Earlier in the afternoon, chief guest Mr Sonam T Khorlatsang delivered a talk on status of Tibetan refugees in India and new arrivals from Tibet at Keisho Den hall in Gokokuji Temple in Tokyo. He also met with Tibetans who have gathered there for prayer congregation for His Holiness at the temple and advised them to stay united as Tibetans irrespective of numbers. Citing advice from His Holiness to a group of Tibetans migrating to United States in 90’s, he said “each and every one of you should be able to represent Tibetans as a whole and CTA in particular. One must not forget the cause of Tibet in the quest for livelihood.”

On 1 July,  Mr Sonam T Khorlatsang, Kalon for Department of Home, CTA met with Mr Watanabe Miki, parliamentarian (Liberal Democratic Party) and had discussion on series of topics. He left to Osaka on the same day and met with Mr Hiraoka Hidenobu, Chairman of Seifu High School and gave talks to students on the title “We must know what is happening in Tibet”.

-Report filed by OOT Japan-