(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners in Japan held parades in Osaka on July 14 and Kyoto on July 15, 2018, calling for an end to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) persecution. They commemorated practitioners who lost their lives in this tragedy that began 19 years ago, on July 20, 1999. For the past 19 years, practitioners in Japan have persistently clarified facts of Falun Gong to the Japanese government and people and received their support.

The grand parades received wide attention from tourists and local residents. Many people took the opportunity to learn the facts about Falun Gong, and expressed their support to practitioners.

One Chinese tourist took photos of the group exercise practice. He told the practitioners, “I know this is Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Keep up with your great job!”

Falun Gong parade in Osaka.

Falun Gong parade in Kyoto.

Tourists were happy to see the Falun Gong parade.

Mr. Aoki, a local resident, told the reporter, “I have been paying attention to this issue. I support you! Please continue to spread the word. This is a great format. It wouldn't be possible have such activities in China. Such a grand parade is very meaningful! My heart goes out to you!”

Mr. Aoki reads a Falun Gong flyer.

Mr. Suzuki praised the Tian Guo Marching Band, “Great music!”

Mr. Matsumoto (left) and Mr. Yamamoto told Falun Gong practitioners, “Please do your best to tell more people about the persecution. We would like to find out more about it.”

Mr. Kitano (left) and Mr. Kanaya waved at the Falun Gong practitioners. Mr. Kitano said, “I'm disgusted by the persecution. It's a hot day. Please take care!”

One man from Aichi Prefecture took videos of the parade. He knew many facts about the persecution. He said, “The Chinese Communist Party's collapse is just a matter of time. It's on its last stage of dictatorship. I find it very similar to the former Soviet Union before its collapse.” He added, “Falun Gong people have been working so hard! I encourage them, and support them!”

Tourists from the United States, England, and the Netherlands said they had seen Falun Gong activities and heard about the persecution. It's their common wish to see the persecution stop soon.

A man from the Netherlands (left) said he supports Falun Gong.

Tracey from England said she wishes the persecution will end soon.

Falun Gong practitioner Yoshida Chiki told the reporter his personal experience with the persecution when he was living in China. “My mother and my uncle were arrested for practicing Falun Gong when I was one year old. My uncle was whipped by police officers during the arrest, and my mother was sentenced to two years in prison, and was thrown into solitary confinement. The walls were covered with words slandering Falun Gong. She was forced to listen to high-pitched sirens as torture. Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs, which were used for organ transplant surgeries. The persecution is still going on. A Japanese citizen's relative in China was arrested last month. I look forward to the day when Falun Gong practitioners will be released.”

Falun Gong practitioner Yoshida Chiki recounts the persecution his family has experienced.

Ms. Liu Zhiying, a resident of Osaka, said her mother had been arrested for practicing Falun Gong last month. “My relative went to visit my parents on June 14, because she couldn't reach my mother. When she arrived at my parents' home, she found my father handcuffed, and three plainclothes police officers searching their house. They were arrested for distributing Falun Gong truth clarification materials. The police confiscated their Falun Gong books, MP3 audio player, and cash. Father has been released now, but mother has been thrown into prison.”

Ms. Liu Zhiying calls for support to rescue her mother.