Japan: Appeal to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs For Yoko Kaneko’s Release

On September 6, 2002, the chairman of the "Ultra Parties and Groups Assembly Alliance to Rescue Yoko Kaneko," Makino Seishu, two other members of the alliance, Yoko Kaneko's husband and representatives of the "Association for Rescuing Yoko Kaneko" visited Japan's Foreign Affairs Office. They hoped that during the Foreign Minister's upcoming visit to China, which began September 8, that the Foreign Affairs Ministry could negotiate with the Chinese Government for the release of Yoko Kaneko, so that she can return to Japan as soon as possible. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shiegeo Uetake, and officials in charge of Chinese affairs participated in the interview.

In the appeal letter, the "Ultra Parties and Groups Assembly Alliance to Rescue Yoko Kaneko" expressed their gratitude for the efforts that the Japanese Government has made for Yoko Kaneko's release. They also expressed their concern about Yoko Kaneko's rapid deterioration both physically and mentally. They hoped that the Japanese Government could "request the Chinese Government to release Yoko Kaneko as soon as possible on humanitarian grounds."

The chief attorney, Tadanori Onitsuka, of "Falun Gong Refugee Applicant - Attorney Protection Group" wrote in the appeal letter: "China's suppression of Falun Gong is an attack on freedom of thought. We express our greatest concern about the human rights violations that Yoko Kaneko has suffered. We hope China will release Yoko Kaneko as soon as possible and stop the suppression of Falun Gong.” [editor –From reliable sources, many in the Chinese government wish to end the persecution of Falun Gong, but fear to speak out. Those who support the persecution do so to advance their own self-interests. Here it would be correct to replace China with Jiang.]

During the interview, they also submitted a signed letter with the names of more than 130 Members of Parliament and government officials from various regions in the country, college professors and other signatures collected in the attorneys' rescue efforts for Yoko Kaneko.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shigeo Uetake, expressed great concern about this issue. He stated that he would negotiate with the Chinese Government on the proper occasion in order to reach the goal of the early release of Yoko Kaneko.