(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners in Japan held a parade at Sensoji Temple, a well-known tourist destination in Tokyo, on August 20, 2023. The parade was held to recognize the 417 million Chinese who have quit the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its youth organizations and to call for an end to the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong.

Although this summer has been the hottest in Japan’s 120-year history of meteorological observations, Falun Gong practitioners from all over the country have continued to raise awareness of the CCP’s persecution and advise Chinese people to withdraw from the CCP organizations.

Falun Gong practitioners’ parade in Tokyo on August 20

The parade started in the afternoon at Hanakawado Park, followed the avenue around the scenic area, and returned to the starting point, a route that took about an hour and a half. A police car led the procession, followed by the Tian Guo Marching Band, practitioners holding banners, a group demonstrating the exercises, and waist drummers at the end.

The waist drum team contributed to the cheerful, festive atmosphere as practitioners distributed fliers and told people about the persecution along the way. Some people read the fliers while others asked for more information about Falun Gong. Several expressed their desire to learn the exercises.

Tourists learn the Falun Gong exercises.

People Express Support for Falun Gong

Mr. Narita had heard about the parade protesting the persecution. He said, “It is great to see such activities being held in Japan and around the world now that the pandemic is over. Falun Gong practitioners who are being persecuted are suffering, so you have to work hard and speak out so the world will hear you. As long as you will do what is right and address the issue, Japan will definitely lend a helping hand.”

After Mr. Takahashi, a tourist, was given a flier at Hanakawato Park and heard about the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong, he said, “Given tyranny of the CCP, it is really remarkable that Falun Gong practitioners in China can still hold onto their belief. I understand how difficult it is for them. Whether in Japan or in China, I admire people who persevere in their beliefs in the face of tyranny. Although it is difficult, please don’t give up.”

Arai reads the flier.

Arai, who works in a daycare along the parade route, watched the demonstration of the Falun Gong exercises and listened to the explanation about the parade. She said, “I am interested. Keep going, I support you.”

Sasaki thought the parade was “fantastic.”

Sasaki, who works for a local newspaper, went out to watch the parade when he heard the Tian Guo Marching Band was going to perform. He said, “This is a great parade. I really didn’t expect to hear about such a persecution.”

Leo (left) from France

Leo from France said, “I wish that people in China could learn and practice Falun Gong openly.”

Stefania and Sergio from Spain

Stefania from Spain said, “Although I don’t know much about China, hearing about the persecution makes me sad. I wish that the CCP would stop the persecution, and [Falun Gong practitioners in China] could study and practice Falun Gong, just as they could do in Europe.”