(Clearwisdom.net) On April 12 and 13, 2008, Falun Gong practitioners participated in the Suigen Cherry Festival in Toyota City, Aichi County. They performed Chinese traditional dances and demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises.

Practitioners performing "Golden Buddha with One Thousand Hands"

The practitioners' dances included "Fan Dancing," "Flower Deity,", and "Golden Buddha with One Thousand Hands." When the practitioners demonstrated the exercises, many of the spectators imitated their hand gestures. One practitioner introduced Falun Gong and told how it has spread to 80 countries around the world. The practitioner also told about the Chinese Communist Party's brutal persecution of Falun Gong.

At the end of their performance, a gentleman in his 50s stepped onto the stage and said to the practitioners, "You work so hard! Thank you. Your dancing is very beautiful!" One practitioner presented him with a paper lotus with a bookmark. He was pleased to accept and expressed his appreciation.

The practitioners also collected signatures calling for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong. Many signed the petition. The host of the Cherry Festival, Director Kito, also signed to express his support.