Awareness event on the Uyghur genocide held in Japan

The Japan Uyghur Association continues to raise awareness of the Uyghur genocide and the current situation of Uyghurs in various cities across Japan, with support from official institutions.

On January 27-28, 2025, a conference, street talks, and brochure distribution about the Uyghur genocide were held in Iga City, Mie Prefecture. With support from the Iga City Government, the event took place in the municipal hall and was attended by officials from the Japan Uyghur Association, municipal employees, and many citizens who expressed their support for the Uyghurs.

Savutcan Memet, a board member of the Japan Uyghur Association and the World Uyghur Congress representative for Southeast Asia, spoke at the event. In an interview with RFA, he said:
“During the meeting, I provided detailed information on the general situation of Uyghurs and the 48 Uyghurs currently detained in Thailand. The attendees showed great interest, asking questions such as, ‘Is your life in Japan safe as China’s transnational repression increases? How can we help you?’”

JAPAN’S OFFICIAL INSTITUTIONS SUPPORT THE UYGHURS

While the Japan Uyghur Association has previously received support from parliamentarians and civil society organizations for its events, the number of events directly supported by government institutions has been limited. This event marks the third to receive direct government support in Japan. According to Savutcan Memet, this reflects increasing official support for the Uyghur cause in Japan.

Ahmet Letip, President of the Japan Uyghur Association, stated to RFA that over the past three years, they have organized testimony sessions, exhibitions, documentary screenings, and street brochure distributions across Japan to raise awareness of the Uyghur genocide. He mentioned that in 2024, they held such events in nine cities, and the first event of 2025 was organized in Iga on January 27-28.

Earlier, on November 16-17, 2022, an exhibition showcasing Uyghur culture and the challenges faced by Uyghurs was held with support from the Chiba City Government and the Education Department. This event was the first government-supported initiative of its kind in Japan.