Tibetan Community Japan Welcomes New Board, Vows Cultural Preservation
The Tibetan Community Japan has transitioned to a new board, reaffirming its commitment to preserving Tibetan culture and identity in Japan.
The Tibetan Community Japan (TCJ) has officially entered a new chapter with the appointment of a new board of directors. In a formal handover ceremony held on Sunday at the Tibet House office, the organization transitioned leadership to ensure the continued welfare and unity of Tibetans residing in Japan.
The ceremony was presided over by Lobsang Choedak, the Representative of the Office of Tibet for Japan and East Asia. During the event, the outgoing president, Dorjee Shiota, introduced the incoming board members to the Representative, marking a seamless transfer of responsibilities.
The New Leadership Team
The incoming board, tasked with steering the community's affairs for the next two years, consists of the following members:
- Dorjee Shiota
- Lobsang Yeshi
- Tenzin Minkyi
- Lhamo Chodon
- Tenzin Tsungmay
As part of the transition, Dorjee Shiota provided a comprehensive account of the activities carried out by the outgoing committee during its two-year tenure. He also briefed the new board on the organization's assets, financial accounts, and various pending matters that require immediate attention.
A Shared Mission for Identity and Awareness
Representative Lobsang Choedak praised the 13th board for its unwavering dedication and its successful collaboration with the Office of Tibet to promote Tibet-related activities. He expressed his optimism that the new board would maintain this close coordination.
During the discussions, Choedak highlighted the policies of the 17th Kashag, emphasizing the urgent need to protect the linguistic, cultural, and religious identity of the Tibetan people. This comes amidst what the administration describes as a pressing threat of assimilation and erasure under the repressive rule of the Chinese government.
The Representative stressed that collective action is essential to advance the Tibetan cause, urging the TCJ to strengthen its ties with Tibet Support Groups to raise global awareness and build broader support for the aspirations of the Tibetan people.
The Role of the Tibetan Community Japan
Established in the late 1990s, the Tibetan Community Japan serves as a vital pillar for Tibetans in the region. Its primary goals include:
- Supporting the general welfare of Tibetans living in Japan.
- Fostering unity and communication within the exiled community.
- Organizing festivals and cultural initiatives to promote friendship and exchange between Tibetans, the Japanese public, and other international communities.
With the new board now in place, the TCJ is expected to intensify its efforts in promoting Tibetan culture and identity while continuing its strategic cooperation with the Office of Tibet to keep the "Tibet issue" in the public eye.