Tokyo: Representative Dr Tsewang Gyalpo Arya of the Liaison Office of H.H. the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia concluded his maiden visit to Sapporo city of Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan, on 10 August 2025. Tomizawa Naomi, a longtime Tibet supporter and her friends coordinated the visit.

Representative Dr Arya met and gave a talk to a group of Japanese supporters and Tibetans in the region. He thanked the gathering for their interest and support to the Tibet issue and briefed them on the Tibetan history and its independent nature, Chinese occupation and the present situation in Tibet and in exile, and the future prospect and the peaceful nature of the Tibetan struggle for freedom and justice. He further talked about the compassionate nature of the Tibetan culture and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s message and effort in promoting peace and non-violence around the world. Presenting a brief introduction to the SEE (Social, Emotional, and Ethical) learning, Representative Arya gave reference to how Buddhist science and philosophy could contribute to the development of a compassionate family, society, nation and ultimately world peace.

The participants asked questions about the Tibet issue, Buddhism, and Tibetan language. Tomizawa thanked Representative Arya for the talk and information on the Tibet issue and Tibetan religious culture. Brochures on Tibet House Japan, the monthly News Magazine, and other Tibet-related books were distributed to the participants. A booklet “Wisdom’s Mind”, a collection of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s quotations in Japanese, was also presented to the audience.

Jampal Tsering, a former Chef of Hotel Tibet in Dharamsala and a longtime resident of Sapporo, also met Representative Arya and participated in the talk event. The participants suggested the formation of a Tibet Support Group in the name of “Hokkaido Friends of Tibet”, and many agreed to the suggestion. Some joined as members of Tibet House Japan and paid the necessary membership fees. Representative Arya thanked the participants and hosted a simple dinner for the members.

At the invitation of Shimizu Town’s Mayor Tsuji Yasuhiro, Representative Dr Arya visited Tokachi Shimizu farms and studied the agricultural activities of the Town office. He met Chairman Noriyuki of the Tokachi Shimuzu Agriculture Cooperative, Local Assembly Member Hashimoto Teruaki, and other staff of the Shimizu Town Office. They discussed about the cultivation of soya beans, potatoes, sugar beets, corn, and the similarity of Hokkaido’s weather with Tibet and the possible collaboration in the agricultural activities. Mayor Tsuji Yasuhiro expressed deep respect and admiration for the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his efforts in promoting world peace.

Representative Arya visited the Hokkaido branch of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in the main Sapporo city. He paid respect, prayers, and offered incense and lamp at the Temple. Representative Arya studied in Japan earlier under the Temple’s scholarship and with the blessing of the then Abbot Ven. Tsurumi Shoseki.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Sapporo city in April 2015 as the guest of the Sapporo branch of Junior Chamber International, a non-profit international non-governmental organisation of young people between 18 and 40 years old. With members in about 80 countries, the organisation encourages young people to become responsible citizens participating in social and economic development, while fostering international co-operation, goodwill and understanding.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Japan