Burma Information Network- Japan (www.burmainfo.org)

A hip-hop poetry reading for Free Burma in Tokyo

Popular Japanese writer, rapper, and TV personality Seiko Ito performed a hip-hop poetry reading at a concert today in which he vigorously called on the Burmese military regime to stop killing unarmed monks and to begin dialogue.

In the following video clip of the performance, Ito can be seen reading his statement, demanding that the military regime stop killing, beating, and imprisoning monks, and enter into dialogue. Htin Aung, the Democratic Voice of Burma stringer in Tokyo , reads out a statement in Burmese.

With a double DJ, Ito's reading quickly turns into a hip-hop event. The audience rises, and many begin dancing and responding to Ito ' s calls, waving arms, signs, and in some cases, babies. It was likely the first time ever that this many Japanese in one place expressed their support for a free Burma .

As he walks off the stage, Ito says directly to the camera, "Free Aung San Suu Kyi."

Production – Burma Information Network
Camera – Rei Shiva
Thanks to – People's Forum on Burma

Background

Following the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Burma in August-September 2007, during which hundreds were killed, injured, or detained, Ito produced a "Free Burma!" T-shirt with a photo of demonstrating monks on the front and the words "we are Buddhists, too" on the back. The shirts have been immensely popular and worn by famous musicians at concerts. Parts of the proceeds will go to the Democratic Voice of Burma.

Photos of dozens of people who bought Ito's T-shirts at a Tokyo store: http://robbers3.exblog.jp/8690800/