His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives in Japan

Tokyo, Japan, 30 October 2009 (By Sherab Woeser) - The exiled Tibetan leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, arrived in Japan this afternoon for a nine-day visit at the invitation of Shikoku Buddhist Association and Okinawa Mahabodhi Association.

His Holiness was received at Tokyo's Narita airport by Lhakpa Tshoko, Representative of H.H. The Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia, along with a varied group of people of Japanese, Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetan origins.

The Tibetan leader will be in Japan from October 30 - November 7.

On his arrival at the Royal Park Hotel, His Holiness was received by Makino Seisyu, Member of Parliament and a long-time friend of Tibet. Inside the hotel, Japanese supporters, Indian students, western tourists and Chinese and Taiwanese businessmen lined-up to seek His Holiness's blessings.

During the visit, His Holiness is expected to give teachings, hold dialogues with scientists and interact widely with the public. The Tibetan leader is also expected to travel outside the capital city of Tokyo.

'Japanese people love and admire His Holiness a lot,' said Satsuki, a Japanese supporter outside the hotel. 'I am happy that our government has welcomed His Holiness on many occasions despite strong objection from the Chinese government,' she said.

This is Holiness's 12th visit to Japan, the earliest being in 1967 when His Holiness, for the first time travelled outside his exile home of India.