(Clearwisdom.net) On September 24, 2007, Falun Gong practitioners participated in an International Festival sponsored by the Hachioji International Exchange Groups Council in Hachioji, Tokyo. They demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises, taught people how to make folded paper lotus flowers, and performed onstage to introduce Falun Dafa to people from different countries.

Falun Gong exercise demonstration

The hosting organization invited practitioners to teach the Falun Gong exercises. Many in the audience wished to learn.

The International Festival was hosted by Hachioji City. The mayor was present to congratulate the event. Along with the spread of Falun Dafa, the number of practitioners in the area has increased. Falun Gong practitioners handed truth-clarification literature and a paper lotus flower printed with "Falun Dafa is good" to the mayor. The mayor asked in concern, "I heard that you have been having a hard time in China. Please keep up your good work." The practitioners replied, "We will definitely keep it up." The mayor also had a group photo taken with the practitioners in traditional costume.

At the festival, there were booths showcasing cultures from each country. Falun Gong practitioners wearing Tang Dynasty costumes represented China and taught how to make folded paper lotus flowers. People listened to the practitioners' exposure of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong while learning to make paper lotus flowers. Some Chinese people were surprised initially, but after hearing the practitioners' further explanation, they made the decision to quit the CCP and its affiliated organizations.

During a break, the hosting organization invited the practitioners to teach the Falun Gong exercises. Many people expressed their wish to learn the exercises.

In the afternoon, the practitioners conducted a 25-minute performance onstage. They demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises, sang songs and danced Chinese folk dances and classical-style dances composed by practitioners. Their excellent performance won much applause. A western teacher indicated that she would invite the practitioners to perform in her school. She said, "Your costumes and gestures are wonderful."