Representative Chope recounted briefly about His Holiness life and expressed his joy for the occasion and lamented over the fact that fellow Tibetans in Tibet are not free to celebrate the auspicious occasion.
He, however, prayed that it will be in Lhasa next year when His Holiness celebrate His 70th Birthday and prayed that all Tibetans will have the freedom to celebrate it. He formally announced the dates for His Holiness next visits to Japan, April 2005 and November 2006.
The addresses were laced with saxophone by Mr. Sadao Watanabe, who is an internationally known Japanese saxophonist and songs by Ms Yungchen Lhamo, also an internationally known Tibetan singer. She had been invited from New York to sing on this special occasion.
Mr. Makino in his address mentioned that there are now over 50 members in the new Parliamentary Group for Tibet.
He said that they include four Members of Parliament currently holding Ministerial posts and four other members who are shadow ministers. He also expressed his joy over the fact that His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit last year was a great success.
He urged everyone to work hard for Tibet.
Mr. Igarashi announced that he was the Secretary of the new Parliamentary Group for Tibet and wished His Holiness every success in his effort for Peace in the world and for Tibet.
The Minister in his speech said that he had an opportunity to meet His Holiness two years ago with Mr. Makino.
He expressed his deepest respect to His Holiness who he said is a leader for peace and non-violence. He urged every one to work hard for the sake of peace and prosperity in Asia.
Finally the gathering was addressed by Mr. Nomoto Jinzo who is 88 years old this year.
He was in Lhasa 65 years ago when he witnessed the enthronement ceremony of His Holiness the Dalai Lama who was four years old then.
He is one of the two surviving Japanese who had been in independent Tibet.
There were about 200 guests, who includes diplomats, Abbots of monasteries, film directors, actresses, writers, Tibet Support Group members and the members of the small Tibetan community .
