Japan: Falun Gong Practitioners Hold A Series Of Activities To Rescue Yoko Kaneko

On May 24, 2002, Falun Gong practitioner Yoko Kaneko and two fellow Japanese practitioners distributed Falun Gong truth clarification flyers in the streets of Beijing. They were arrested and detained by Beijing police. The two Japanese practitioners were deported but Yoko Kaneko, who was travelling on a Chinese passport, was held. On June 24, 2002 she was sentenced to one and half years of forced labour.

Starting early in May this year, practitioners in Japan delivered information updates and a letter calling for help to rescue Yoko to each Member of Parliament. A huge banner was displayed along the road MPs pass on their way to work. Practitioners also distributed truth clarification materials to passersby. Practitioners who deliver packages to offices often hear MPs or the staff members say things like, "Oh, you are the Falun Gong practitioners that appeal everyday outside the offices. Those who learn the truth have taken more active attitude towards the rescue efforts."

In addition to the peaceful appeal outside the parliament and Chinese embassy, Dafa practitioners in Japan have held many other activities to clarify the truth over the past year since Yoko was first arrested.

Practitioners collected signatures in Tokyo's business centre. In addition to using petition forms to collect signatures, practitioners also invited pedestrians to write their names and wishes on a "SOS Rescue Kaneko Yoko Signature Drive -- Tokyo" banner. Chairman of Kaneko Yoko Rescue Committee, Mr. Kitajima said, "Kaneko Yoko has been detained in China for one year now. Her action totally followed Chinese Constitution. To rescue Yoko, the Japanese government and the Yoko Rescue Committee have made great efforts. A non partisan alliance was formed in Japanese parliament to rescue Yoko. However the breakthrough has yet to come. Today we are collecting signatures of support and will submit them to the Japanese government. Through this activity we hope to mobilise Japanese citizens to take stronger action to ask the Japanese government to request Yoko Kaneko's release."

On May 24, 2003 at a park close to Japan Politics, Economy and Culture Centre, practitioners held a candlelight vigil for the over 700 fellow practitioners persecuted to death in China. Practitioners held pictures of those killed and sat solemnly in front of the amphitheatre. In front of them was a large sign: Stop Killing.

On the evening of May 25, practitioners held a peaceful appeal until late in the night in front of Chinese embassy.

Activities to clarify the truth and rescue efforts help the Japanese people to further realise the genocidal nature of Jiang regime in persecuting Falun Gong.