Japan Parliament’s Tibet Support Group Faces Setback After Election Losses

Japan Parliament Support Group for Tibet, the largest of its kind globally, lost nearly 30% of its members in October’s elections, including Chairman Shimomura Hakuban and General Secretary Ishikawa Akimasa of the ruling LDP, according to Phayul. The bipartisan group of about 100 MPs now faces leadership challenges. Despite this, Dr. Tsewang Gyalpo Arya remains optimistic about their return and confirmed preparations for hosting the 9th World Parliamentary Convention on Tibet in June 2025 are on track. A leadership restructuring meeting is scheduled for December 19 to ensure organizational continuity.