By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 17: The Japan Parliament Support Group for Tibet, known as the world’s largest Tibet support group and a steadfast ally of the Tibetan cause, has experienced a significant setback following the recent elections. Nearly 30% of its members, including key figures such as Chairman Shimomura Hakuban and General Secretary Ishikawa Akimasa of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost their parliamentary seats in the general elections in October.
Dr. Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, the Representative of the Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan, told Phayul that the group consists of approximately 100 members from various political affiliations. “About 30 members, representing the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and seven other political parties, lost their seats. This bipartisan group also includes members from opposition parties,” Dr. Arya said.
He described the loss of Shimomura Hakuban and Ishikawa Akimasa as particularly detrimental. “Losing both the Chairman and General Secretary is a huge blow because they have been staunch allies of the Tibetan cause and have always shown strong support,” he noted. “However, there is a strong chance they will make a comeback in the next election as they both enjoy a good reputation in the political arenas,” he added optimistically.
Dr. Arya further shared that efforts are underway to restore leadership of the Japan Parliament Support Group for Tibet. He revealed that his office has been in constant communication with the Parliamentary Support Group and plans to convene a meeting on December 19 to elect new leaders, including the Chairman, General Secretary, and standing committee members.
Observers have raised concerns that the depletion of nearly 30 members could affect Japan’s ability to host the 9th World Parliamentary Convention on Tibet (WPCT) scheduled for June 2025 in a few months’ time. Addressing these concerns, Dr. Arya expressed confidence that the leadership transition would not hinder preparations. “Plans for the WPCT were meticulously laid out during Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel’s official visit to Japan in July, with inputs from the former Chairman Shimomura Hakuban, General Secretary Ishikawa Akimasa, and the committee members. These plans are well-documented, ensuring continuity regardless of leadership changes,” he explained.
