The Shinjuku Historical Museum Hall in Tokyo recently hosted a gathering of Tibetans and Japanese supporters to commemorate the 112th anniversary of the Declaration of Tibetan Independence Day. The event, organized by the Tibetan Community in Japan (TCJ) and Students for Free Tibet (SFT), aimed to challenge China’s historical claims over Tibet and educate the public about Tibetan history.
A Tribute to Tibetan Heritage and Resilience
The event began with welcoming remarks from SFT President Tsering Dorjee and TCJ President Dorjee Shiota. Participants stood for the national anthems of Japan and Tibet, followed by a minute of silence in memory of Kazur Gyalo Dhondup, who passed away at the age of 97, and the victims of the recent earthquake in Tibet.
Scholarly Discussions on Tibet’s History
The session featured two guest speakers:
- Prof. Ishihama Yumiko of Waseda University provided insights into Tibetan history, the role of Dalai Lamas, and the experiences of Japanese travelers to Tibet in the early 20th century. She also discussed the geopolitical involvement of China, Russia, and India in the Great Game.
- Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, Representative of the Dalai Lama’s Liaison Office in Japan and East Asia, emphasized Tibet’s historical independence and criticized the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) claims over Tibet. He stated that China’s assertion of inheriting Tibet from the Yuan and Qing dynasties is historically inaccurate, as both were foreign empires that once ruled China.
Concerns Over Chinese Policies in Tibet
Representative Arya also highlighted the Chinese government’s efforts to suppress Tibetan culture, including:
- The denial of Tibetan students’ right to learn their mother tongue
- The erosion of Tibetan identity through forced colonial boarding schools
- The misrepresentation of Tibetan history to justify China’s control over the region
Public Support and Awareness Campaigns
The discussion was attended by academics, activists, and members of the Japanese public who support Tibetan autonomy. SFT member Fujita Yoko moderated the event, ensuring a structured dialogue. Pamphlets containing information about Tibet’s cultural struggle and China’s colonial policies were distributed to attendees.
The event also coincided with Japan’s National Day, marking the ascension of Emperor Jimmu in 660 BC, a symbolic moment reinforcing Japan’s shared historical interest in Tibet.
By hosting such discussions, the organizers hope to raise awareness about Tibet’s history, culture, and struggle for autonomy, countering China’s narrative and advocating for Tibetan self-determination.