10th March Observed in Tokyo, Japan

On 8th March, Tibet Support Network Japan and Tibetan community in Japan observed the 10th March Tibetan uprising anniversary in Tokyo. In the morning, some fifteen to twenty Tibetan and Japanese supporters marched to Chinese embassy in Tokyo. Fluttering Tibetan National flag, they sang Tibetan nationalanthem before the embassy's main gate. SFTrepresentative read a memorandum drawing embassy'sattention to resolve the Tibetan issue peacefully atthe earliest. The activist raised slogans demanding human right and freedom in Tibet. As per Tokyo city police regulation, only five persons were allowed tostand before the gate. So the demonstrators took inturn. Although it was holiday on the day, some Chinese officials passed in and out from the main gate, they showed no reaction. The memorandum was put in theembassy's post box. The protest lasted for an hour and was concluded with singing national anthem once again and a prayer for world peace.Tibetans raising slogans before the Chinese embassy in Tokyo on 8th March. The group later joined the main gathering at Shinjuku Park, from where the actual march for took place. Nearly hundred Japanese and Tibetans havegathered at the park. Mr. Kubo Takeshi, Chairman of Tibet Support Network Japan presided over the gathering and spoke on the important of Tibetan issue and world peace. He stressed on the need for Chinese authorities to take this Tibetan seriously and consider the peaceful approach of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mr. Makino Seishu, Representative of Japanese Parliamentary Group for Tibet, welcomed the gathering and said that Tibetan struggle is not aproblem of Tibetans only, it is an issue related to peace and stability in Asia and the world. He called upon Chinese communist leaders to open China for peace, democracy and freedom. He said however powerful China may be, with its belligerent and bully attitude, China couldn't win love and respect of the world. Tibetan and Japanese marching in the Toky-Shinjuku street carrying colorful Tibetan national flag. The march started from Shinjuku Park with greatfervor, raising slogans calling upon China to respect Human right, religious freedom and genuine autonomy inTibet. They also called upon UNO to pay attention to Tibet issue. Some taken away with emotion, called for`Free Tibet` and `China get out of Tibet`. The march passed through the central street of Shinjuku, one ofthe busiest cities in Tokyo. Many passer by stopped to see the march and some raised their caps and hands to show their solidarity. Nearly 100 Japanese and Tibetan participated in the march. On the day, Shinjuku Street saw a very colorful street demonstration with the people clad in Tibetan outfits, many putting on caps with the design of Tibetan flag. Some local media also came to cover the event. When asked to an elderly passer by, who happens to know something about Tibet, `presence of many Japanese youngsters carrying Tibetan national flags with publiccry `Free Tibet` echoing in the Tokyo street is a raresight, but for the Chinese authorities it is a warning saying that Japanese public are not silent about Tibet`. Commented the gentleman. Tibetan and Japanese gathers at the end of march Many Japanese youngsters expressed relief and happiness for being able to participate in the marchand expressed their support in every possible manner.They proposed more interaction between Tibetan and Japanese for better understanding and cooperative effort to pressure Chinese authorities to free Tibet.The march concluded at Shinjuku Kumin Kaikan, Shinjuku Public Hall where a get together was done. Mr. Kubo and Tibetan community leader thanked the participantsand spoke about the forth-coming Tibetan Olympic Torch relay event on 16th March; many participants enthusiastically endorsed the event and called upon everyone to participate in this Tibetan Olympic Torch relay in Tokyo.

From the office of TSNJ (Tibet Support Network Japan), Tokyo

10th March Observed in Tokyo - www.phayul.com

Bjork backs Tibetan independence during Shanghai concert

Shanghai - Icelandic pop singer Bjork backed independence for Tibet during her concert on Sunday in Shanghai, eyewitnesses said on Monday.

She shouted 'Tibet, Tibet!' followed by 'Raise your flag!' towards the end of her final song, 'Declare independence.'

Her protest apparently went unnoticed by the majority of an estimated 3,000 people at the Shanghai International Gymnastics Centre.

But it is likely to anger China's communist government, which has previously expelled foreigners for making public protests in favour of Tibetan independence.

The words 'Raise your flag' are part of the standard lyrics of the song.

A representative of the Chinese concert organizer, Shanghai-based Emma Entertainment, said by telephone that she had been backstage and was unaware of Bjork shouting 'Tibet, Tibet!' The company declined further comment on the incident.

At a similar concert in Tokyo last week, Bjork dedicated her performance of 'Declare independence' to supporting Kosovo's declaration of independence.

That statement led organizers of a Serbian music festival planned for July to drop her from the lineup, citing security fears.

Her Shanghai protest came as several Tibetan independence groups are running high-profile campaigns to promote their cause ahead of the Olympic Games in Beijing in August.

Most Tibetans support calls by the exiled Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhism's highest leader, for greater autonomy for Tibet within China, although many still favour independence.

The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after an abortive uprising against the occupation of Tibet by Chinese troops since 1951. He remains as popular as ever among ordinary Tibetans.