(Minghui.org) Wishing for peace and justice in the coming year, on New Year's Eve Falun Dafa practitioners in Japan held peaceful sitting protests in front of various Chinese Consulates, protesting the 13-year-long persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Falun Dafa practitioners protest the CCP's persecution in Osaka, Japan on New Year's Eve.

On the night of December 31, practitioners from Osaka and surrounding areas gathered in front of the Chinese Consulate for a candlelight vigil to commemorate fellow practitioners who died in the brutal persecution. From 6 p.m. to 1 a.m, the practitioners practiced Falun Gong exercises. Accompanied by flickering candle lights, photos of practitioners who had died in the persecution were decorated with white flowers, and told the sad story of the many years of killing and suppression. Despite the cold night air, kindhearted passersby stopped to show their support and encouraged the practitioners to continue their efforts.

In the Kyushu area, practitioners also held two protests at Chinese Consulates in Nagasaki and Fukuoka from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and continued from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. The practitioners set up display boards and banners, and peacefully protested the CCP's atrocities. For over a decade, the residents near the Consulate often see Falun Dafa practitioners protesting at the Consulate. They expressed their sympathy and encouraged the practitioners to persevere.

Falun Dafa practitioners protest at Chinese Consulate in Nagasaki, Japan.

Falun Dafa practitioners protest at Chinese Consulate in Fukuoka, Japan.