Tokyo: A Japanese delegation from Hokkaido Shimizu Town, led by Hon. Mayor Yasuhiro Tsuji visited the Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 30 October to wish His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and deliver the offerings of “Soybeans and Adzuki beans”, the first-fruits autumnal harvest (Tib: lo-phud) on behalf of the Town and the farmers of the region.

Mayor Yasuhiro Tsuji, accompanied by Noriyuki Konno, President of the Shimizu JA Agriculture Cooperative; Kazuyuki Togashi, Counsellor; and Haruhiko Teraoka, Representative of the Agriculture and Forestry Division, presented the harvest offerings of soybeans and adzuki beans respectfully packed in local wooden boxes wrapped in traditional Japanese clothes along with a written message.

The message reads, “From the northern land of Hokkaido, we humbly offer these soybeans and adzuki beans, nurtured by the pure waters and rich soil of Shimizu Town. They are symbols of gratitude to the earth and prayers for peace, reflecting our belief that harmony between nature and humanity is the foundation of true happiness. On the occasion of Your Holiness’ 90th Birthday, we offer this gift with our heartfelt wishes for your continued health and long life, and our deep respect for your long dedication to peace and compassion.”

They also presented some birthday messages for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, written by children in Shimizu Town.

Representative Dr. Tsewang Gyalpo Arya of the Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia humbly received the offerings and the message and thanked the delegation for coming all the way from Hokkaido to visit the office. He informed the delegation about his recent visit to Dharamsala and the good health of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and promised to deliver the offerings and the message to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the earliest. He briefed the delegation on the four commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and offered books and information booklets on Tibet.

At the Mayor’s invitation, Representative Arya visited Shimizu Town in August and studied the region’s agricultural activities. The Japanese delegation expressed happiness over being able to deliver the region’s harvest at the office and wished His Holiness a long and healthy life to guide the humanity to peace and prosperity.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Japan