‘Thank You Japan’ Event in TokyoSaturday, 4 April 2009, 6:19 p.m.

Mr Lhakpa Tshoko, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Japan, addresses the “Thank You Japan” in Tokyo on 3 April 2009

Tokyo: As
a part of the events to commemorate the 50 years in exile, Liaison
Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia on Friday
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.

Reception hosted by office of Tibet during the event

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 event. The event was covered by media representing
newspapers and local television channels.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