Candles lit in Nagano, Tokyo for peace in Tibet


I don't expect any violent protests against the Olympic torch when it arrives to Japan April 26, but the silent manifestations this weekend send a clear message that people are paying close attention to the recent sad events in Tibet.

A local citizens group lit candles Sunday evening at Nagano's Zenkoji Buddhist temple, the starting point for an Olympic torch relay set for April 26, to pray for the victims of the violence in Tibet, while about 300 people held a candlelight march in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward.

People in Nagano and Tokyo show their support for Tibet at events held Sunday evening
People in Nagano (top) and Tokyo (above) show their support for Tibet at events held Sunday evening. A circle of candles was lit at Nagano's Zenkoji Buddhist temple, the starting point for the Olympic torch relay set for April 26, while a candlelight march was held in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward calling for peace in Tibet.

In Nagano, about 60 people formed a circle of 177 candles — the number of people they estimate have been killed in the violence in Tibet. A 48-year-old monk representing the group said, "Both the philosophy of the Olympics and of Buddhism is harmony among diversity. I hope that our wish for a peace in the world will come true."

The Japan Times: Candles lit in Nagano, Tokyo for peace in Tibet

NHK World also reports from the demonstration where Tibetan residents of Japan and their supporters marched in downtown Tokyo on Sunday, mourning the victims of the recent riots in Tibet and neighboring provinces:

The participants carried Tibetan flags and banners that read "Free Tibet." They held candles in their hands as they walked through the busy streets for about 30 minutes, singing songs of peace and chanting a Tibetan sutra.

NHK World: Tibetans rally in Tokyo to mourn riot victims

Comments

Pandabonium said…
Interesting how much interest there is in China's reaction to protests in Tibet, and how little there is in the US 5 year occupation of Iraq with a far higher level of violence, slaughter, torture, etc.

Coincidence?
6:35 pm, April 14, 2008
Martin J Frid said…
There was a peace demonstration in Tokyo on March 22, with a clear message to end the war in Iraq. I have posted previously on the activities by peace activists here in Japan, but of course the interest right now is on China and Tibet.

Getting the UN coalition, as it were, to somehow end the occupation of Iraq, is an interesting challenge. Any suggestions how it could be done...?
7:06 pm, April 14, 2008
Pandabonium said…
Massive demonstrations and boycotts of the USA to bring attention to world disapproval of the Iraq occupation would help. (It is too late for actions with the US).

Regards Tibet, I recommend this article: Risky geopolitical game: Washington plays ‘Tibet Roulette’ with China
By F. William Engdahl and can offer additional resources for those who may want to research the topic further.
7:42 am, April 15, 2008
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