(Minghui.org) Practitioners in the Kansai Region held events in Kobe and Osaka on September 13 and 14, 2025. They introduced Falun Dafa and told people about the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) brutal persecution.

September 15 is a national holiday—Respect for the Aged Day, and there were many tourists in Kobe and Osaka.

Falun Dafa practitioners marched in Osaka on September 14, 2025.

Support from Elected Officials

A large number of tourists from Japan, Europe and the U.S. greeted practitioners during the march. Many accepted materials and said they were interested in learning about the issue. Chinese tourists also accepted materials and some took pictures or videos of the event.

A number of elected officials supported these events. Osaksa city councilor Yoshinobu Kinoshita spoke during the rally before the march and called on Japanese to pay attention to the suppression. “I will continue to support these activities in the future. I hope that one day these practitioners’ efforts will bear fruit, the persecution will end, and everyone will be able to practice freely and raise a toast to celebrate this great moment,” he said.

After Shoko Noda, a councilor from Higashiōsaka, learned about the organ harvesting, she emphasized the urgency of exposing it and said she would like to work toward more legislation. “Currently, over 100 local councils nationwide have unanimously passed relevant motions, which were sent to the Japanese government. Both the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors condemn China’s human rights issues,” she explained. “It is also very important to help Japanese society know about Falun Dafa.”

Higashiōsaka city councilor Shoko Noda spoke during the rally before the march.

Osamu Maruyama, a member of the Zushi City Council in Kanagawa Prefecture, also condemned the CCP’s 26-year-long suppression and said he’s opposed the persecution, including forced organ harvesting, for 11 years. “The news of this march will surely reach those practitioners who are imprisoned and those who have lost their lives, and will also resonate with those who have witnessed all of this,” he said.

In his letter of support Yokkaichi City Councilor Tomoyuki Ogisu wrote, “We Japanese cannot just stand by and watch such evil acts happening in our neighboring country!” He pointed out that Falun Dafa practitioners were recognized as refugees in Japan for the first time last year. But the CCP’s persecution against Falun Dafa must end to fundamentally solve the issue.

Takao Miida, a former Kashiwazaki city councilor, highly praised the march, and said that as long as the issue is brought to people’s attention, the actions of those who have steadfast faith will surely build a powerful force. He said he would certainly work with others and support practitioners’ efforts.

Sauto Tanaka, Vice President of the Japan Uyghur Association, sent a letter emphasizing that the CCP’s persecution of the Uyghur people and Falun Dafa has spread overseas. By saying “no” to the authoritarian system, Falun Dafa practitioners not only courage the Chinese people, but also send a message of hope to the world. “Everyone’s efforts will ultimately change the future. The pursuit of freedom and dignity will create a more just and peaceful world,” wrote the letter.

Feedback from Tourists

Before the march, Falun Dafa practitioners divided into small groups to do the exercises at various tourist attractions. When Ron from Australia saw the group exercise at Osaka Castle Park, he asked for more information and said he agreed with the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Ron and his wife

Alex from Switzerland said he believes the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance will lead people to inner peace and happiness. “It’s important for us to treat others with honesty and kindness, while being patient ourselves,” he said.

Alex from Switzerland

After learning the Falun Dafa exercises, Gisele from Israel said she felt calm and peaceful. “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are most important for our lives,” she explained.

Gisele from Israel (left) learns the exercises.

Suen from Belgium said he hadn’t previously heard about the persecution of Falun Dafa. He was glad the brutality was exposed and hopes practitioners in Belgium hold similar events. He also said everyone would cherish the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Suen from Belgium (right)

Puparit from Thailand said he was happy to see Falun Dafa practitioners. “Please keep it up! You have done great!” he exclaimed.

Puparit from Thailand (right)