(Minghui.org) The 49th Hiroshima Flower Festival opened on May 3, 2026, near the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Peace Boulevard. Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the dazzling and colorful grand flower parade, performed traditional Chinese musical instruments, and demonstrated the exercises.
The Hiroshima Flower Festival is one of the largest celebrations in Japan. The three-day event draws over one million tourists and local residents. More than 7,000 people from 74 different groups participated in the parade this year. The organizer estimated that over 260,000 spectators watched the parade on site on May 3.
People applauded the practitioners’ performance and praised Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Many people condemned the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution.
Practitioners participated in the 49th Hiroshima Flower Festival Flower Parade on May 3. (Minghui correspondents in Japan)
Practitioners demonstrated the exercises during the Hiroshima Flower Festival on May 3. (Minghui correspondents in Japan)
Audience Like the Principles
The practitioners’ group was led by the float, and practitioners demonstrated the exercises on it. Next came the exercise demonstration team, kimono team and the waist drum team. The practitioners’ performance was warmly received.
Practitioners participated in the grand flower parade of the 49th Hiroshima Flower Festival on May 3. (Minghui correspondents in Japan)
David Pires, a tourist from Germany, watched the practitioners’ performance in the parade. (Minghui correspondents in Japan)
David Pires said about Falun Dafa, “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are very good values. I truly think so.”
Yamamoto Sensei likes Falun Dafa.
“Everyone blended together as one, moving in perfect unison, I think it is truly impressive,” said Yamamoto Sensei. He also said people should practice Falun Dafa’s principles: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
Colin Campbell (right)
Colin Campbell from the UK watched the parade and said, “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are great values. I think everyone should follow them.”
People Learn About Falun Dafa
When the practitioners performed music instruments and demonstrated the exercises on stage, some audience members took photos. Some held the poster board with the words Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and had their photos taken.
Practitioners demonstrate the exercises
Practitioners’ waist drum team
An audience member takes photos of the practitioners’ performance.
Jennis likes the performance.
Jennis, from Australia, watched the practitioners’ performance and said it was nice.
Kitamori watches the practitioners’ exercise demonstration.
Kitamori was impressed by the exercise demonstration and said, “I did not expect so many people participating.”
Ms. Han from Belgium
Ms. Han from Belgium said after watching the exercise demonstration. “I know that Falun Dafa is banned in China. I’ve seen practitioners in Japan and the Netherlands. I like this practice and will learn more about it.”
People Condemn the Persecution
Falun Dafa was so popular in China before 1999 that the number of practitioners exceeded the number of CCP members. Jiang Zemin, then head of the CCP, claimed that Falun Dafa was threatening the regime and launched the persecution.
Yoshizawa learns about the persecution.
Yoshizawa talked with a practitioner for long time about the CCP’s persecution and said he wants to tell practitioners in China, “I hope they persist in their belief.”
Mr. Hopkins (right) from the UK
When Mr. Hopkins from the UK heard that the persecution in China hasn’t ended, he said, “It is truly heartbreaking. No—it’s more than heartbreaking, it’s outrageous.” He condemned the ongoing violation of human rights.
About Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, he said, “If everyone followed these principles, the world would be better.”
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