(Minghui.org) The 44th Koto Ward Citizens’ Festival—Central Festival was held at Metropolitan Kiba Park in Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan, on October 17 and 18, 2026. Falun Dafa practitioners held an event near the entrance to the festival venue to introduce the spiritual practice and raise awareness of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution.
Falun Dafa practitioners raise awareness of the CCP’s persecution outside the venue of the Koto Ward Citizens’ Festival. (Minghui.org)
Koto Ward is known for waterfront scenery that blends with the vibrant atmosphere of historic streets. The Koto Festival, held since 1983, offers an opportunity to see kaku nori—which stems from the Edo era. Performers balance on floating logs, as well as on ladders and other objects placed on the logs. The festival aims to foster interaction and friendship among residents and attracts around 400,000 participants each year. It is one of the ward's largest events.
Visitors Appalled By the Brutal Persecution
A Falun Gong practitioner introduced the practice to Ms. Kato and told her about the CCP’s persecution and the state-sanctioned forced organ harvesting. She was appalled and said, “How can they do such a thing? The CCP is so bad! China is a communist country. That’s why they are so unbridled.”
Mr. Nakagawa (Minghui.org)Resident Mr. Nakagawa condemned the CCP’s forced organ harvesting: “This is something that should absolutely not be done. The act itself is wrong, and I hope they put an end to this behavior. It’s something completely unimaginable in Japan. In short, they must be stopped.”
Pascal (right) from the Netherlands. (Minghui.org)
Festival attendee Pascal learned about the CCP’s forced organ harvesting and organ trafficking for the first time. He said, “It’s terrifying—truly terrifying. I didn’t know about any of this before. Hearing it makes me feel so sad. We have absolutely no idea about these crimes.”
Passersby Call Upon Media Outlets to Report on the Persecution and Forced Organ Harvesting
Ms. Yoshimura (Minghui.org)
Ms. Yoshimura commended the Falun Gong practitioners, saying: “It is truly remarkable that you are so earnestly raising awareness of this issue, even facing risk to carry out such activities. I believe we should find ways to help more Japanese people become aware of the issue—perhaps through private television networks or other media outlets. It wouldn’t necessarily require standing before a camera, but creating opportunities for people to discuss this issue would be very valuable. I hope you will continue your efforts.”
She condemned the CCP’s system: “I find the actions of the CCP completely incomprehensible. They justify such inhumane acts while covering up everything they have done, presenting only a sanitized, positive narrative to the outside world and silencing any dissenting voices. I therefore urge all journalists and media professionals to remain vigilant—report only the truth and convey that truth to us. Please keep up your efforts.”
Ms. Toriyama expressed her firm opposition to organ trafficking in China, stating that such practices are absolutely intolerable. She urged the media to give more coverage of the issue. By amplifying the public’s voice to the government, she hopes that state-level measures can be implemented to halt practices such as traveling to China for organ transplants. She warned that without intervention, China will continue to act with total impunity. Therefore, it is imperative for Japanese people and the government to take action as soon as possible.
People Encourage Practitioners to Continue Their Efforts
Practitioners have raised awareness of the persecution for over 20 years. Many festival-goers talked with practitioners. Some knew of the CCP’s persecution and encouraged practitioners to continue their efforts.
Mr. Tanaka (Minghui.org)
Mr. Tanaka learned about Falun Gong and the CCP’s forced organ harvesting several years ago. He encouraged the practitioners, saying, “Please cherish Falun Gong and continue your lives.” He added, “If you hold fast to the spirit embodied by Falun Gong—a practice beneficial to one’s health—perhaps, one day, change will come.” He also urged the practitioners to be mindful of their own safety and to take steps to protect themselves.
Mr. Yoshida (Minghui.org)
Mr. Yoshida already knew about Falun Gong and the CCP’s forced organ harvesting. He said, “There’s no freedom of belief there. Anything unfavorable to the government is met with suppression. A system that does not treat people as human beings is a bad system.”
He encouraged the practitioners: “Falun Gong practitioners do not do anything bad. I hope democracy will be implemented in China.” He also pointed out that Japanese people are indifferent to the CCP’s persecution and forced organ harvesting due to a lack of TV reports and information. “To spread the facts, I hope you will continue your efforts.”
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