Exibition of Mr. Suraj's paintings

We are going to hold the exibition of Mr. Suraj's paintings!

Mr.Suraj's paintings are going to be exibited at the cafe near Nishi-Ogikubo station for 2days
You can see what kind of person Mr. Suraj was and feel his heart through his works.


Also, you can enjoy African cuisine made by Mr. Suraj's wife. The profit made by African cuisine is going to be donated to Suraj Foundation.
Please join us and enjoy his works and African cuisine.

Date： 12/10（Sat）・11（Sun）

Place：KISSCAFE (5 mins walk from Nishi-Ogikubo station）

　　　　http://www.kiss-cafe.jp/

Getting to know their real aspect.....

I’m Chika, a new volunteer. I joined APFS from this October as I was interested in problems of irregular immigrants in Japan. Also, I am writing a senior thesis on this topic now. Though I am new to APFS, I am always surprised at the variety of people coming here to talk and variety of problems they have.


Along with volunteering, I am conducting interviews to irregular immigrants with them face to face, I realized how inaccurate images most people have on them. They are far from the ‘criminal image’ portrayed on the media. Most people live without knowing what kind of problems those foreigners have, even though we are all living in the same community. I can’t help but wonder how we can tackle this reality.

Bangladesh concert

Hi, I’m Ikeda as a volunteer for A.P.F.S. On November 6th I went to a concert with the representative Mr. Kato. The concert was held by Uttoron, a Bangladesh culture group in Japan.


Most of the audience was Bangladesh. I felt as if I were in a foreign country because of some women with the beautiful ethnic costumes or the speaking voice in a foreign language. On that day it was an Islamic holiday, so I often heard people said “Eid Mubarak!” (the greeting for the holiday).

The concert was consisted of Bangladesh ethnic songs, dances, and a drama. They showed Japanese translation on the screen. It helped us easily to understand the lyrics. They sang various songs from a famous singer’s song in Bangladesh to a Japanese traditional song “Yagi-bushi”. Not only the traditional dances and instruments of Bangladesh, but also surge of excitement coming from the audience gave a tremendous boost to the concert.

In this year, Uttoron has their 23rd concert. I am really amazed at knowing it. I hope the concert to continue into the future.

The first trial hearing is fixed!

The date of the first trial hearing is fixed.

On October 31, 2011
In No. 705 law court room of Tokyo District Court

Your participation as courtroom audience is a power to determines truth.
We ask for your cooperation

An assembly to report the case of Mr.Suraj

Yesterday an assembly to report the case of Mr.Suraj was over. A talk by attorney at law took place in front the audience of slightly less than 50 persons. The talk included progress report, problems of the case such as use of instrument of restraint out of court, intentional interruption of videography to record enforcement and outlook of the case.

Cousin of Mr.Suraj from Osaka, friends of Mr.Suraj, supporters were gathered and talked about memory before his death and thoughts of the case. His illustration displayed made his character recalled.

From now truth hunting in the suit against the Japanese government is expected. Timing of trial hearing can be seen in the latest website of APFS. Your participation as courtroom audience is highly appreciated.

Suit against the government of Japan filed over the death of Abubakar Awudu Suraj

On the morning of August 5th, a suit against the government of Japan was filed over the wrongful death of Abubakar Awudu Suraj—a Ghanaian killed during a forced deportation last year. The lawsuit was filed by Suraj's widow and Suraj's mother claiming compensation from the Japanese government and nine Immigration officials who had accompanied Suraj at the time of his death.


Normally, such lawsuits are filed exclusively against the government. However, documents secured during the preservation of evidence clearly showed that the attending immigration officials had purchased nylon ties (which are not permitted for use as restraints) with their own money and then bound Suraj with them, and turned off the video camera recording their actions partway through the deportation. Such circumstances suggest that their acts of abuse were carried out wittingly—and not through negligence and, for that reason, it was decided that these officials should be charged with responsibility along with the state.

Incidentally, when we first filed the petition for the preservation of evidence, the Ministry of Justice had refused to submit interview and other documents relating to the actions of these immigration officials. It was only due to a subsequent breakthrough court order for disclosure that the documents were later released and the actions of the immigration officials came to light. The Ministry of Justice had effectively been trying to hide facts having a significant bearing on this case.

In the afternoon we held a press conference at the National Press Club in Tokyo. Many reporters joined the conference, including several from The Economist and other international media.

739 signatures in support of urgent prosecution

Today, a petition with 739 signatures was submitted to the Chiba District Public Prosecutor's Office in an effort to push for the urgent prosecution of the case of Abubakar Awudu Suraj's death. Suraj's widow handed the petition directly to the prosecutor in charge, Murakami. Murakami only accepted the petition and did not comment on the likely handling of the case, but we are confident that the weight of the 739 signatures and the wishes that each represents were understood well by him.

Six months have already passed since investigation papers were officially delivered to prosecutors late last year. The signatures are expected to act as a push for prosecution.

We would like to thank everyone who signed the petition. The fact so many people helped Suraj's widow and her and her late husband's friends circulate the petition tells us that countless people are eager to see the truth of this case come to light.

An APFS staff member and Suraj's widow at the Chiba District Public Prosecutors Office

The collected petitions can be seen in the staff member's left hand

Currently, lawyers from our legal team are considering filing a civil suit against the Japanese government with regard to Suraj's death. We will continue to update you on developments at both APFS' blog and website. Thank you for your continued support!

The article from one volunteer (Ms. Son)

Hello. This is Son who is volunteering in APFS.

Today, I went to immigration authorities in Shinagawa with Mr. Kato, the representative of APFS. I was so nervous the day before visiting here because it was first time to visit immigration authorities and have interviews with the detainees. There is the detention center on the overhead of the high building. I heard about the detention center that once they are taken in, they can’t go outside and act freely; so I experienced a feeling of strangeness that it exists in our usual life. The detainees whom I met have been in Japan for about 20 years, and they’ve never committed a crime except overstay. Taking arrested is an extraordinary experience for me, but they always live their life with the fear of taking arrested. Their sufferings are beyond my imagination and too much to bear. I strongly thought that I wish I would visit the detention center by myself and support as many people as I can.

After the International Symposium

This is Son who has been volunteering at APFS from the end of last year. At this time, I had the most important role ever since I had started volunteering because I speak Korean. We invited the guest from Korea for this symposium, and I worked as her language assistant. I’m going to introduce about how the symposium was held as a volunteer.

On May 1^st, we held the international symposium, “Support the Lives of Foreign Citizens-from Viewpoint of the Experience of Japanese and Korean Support for  “undocumented foreigners” (foreigners who live in Japan without residential status) -“. We invited the guest from Korean NGO, ”Asia Chang”, which supports the undocumented foreigners and reported the current situation of the supporting activity in both countries. First of all, the lawyer, Genichi Yamaguchi, traced the history of special permission for residence from viewpoint of the law. Secondly, the representative of APFS, Jotaro Kato, reported how APFS had been consulted on difficult problems and drew their road map. I keenly realized that there were so many problems that needs to be solved even if “The Guideline of the Special Permission for Residence” had been revised. The separation of family, The refuse for special permission for residence even the children grew up in Japan, putting foreigners who entered Japan in the irregular way into the custody, and the prejudice against them…I acutely aware of the necessity of undertaking whatever I can do.

Thirdly, the member of Korean NGO, Young A. Lee, talked about their activities. Surprisingly, Korean supporting activity is much further than Japanese one. They supports immigrants actively such as holding language lessons for immigrant, running portal site and sustaining community. On the other hand, comparing to Japan, the number of undocumented foreigners in Korea is higher than Japan and children whose parents are undocumented can’t get graduation certificate. I felt that both countries should cooperate each other to solve their own problems and overcome them.

Lastly, the reporter, Yukiko Sazanami, reported the lives of children who were deported to Philippines from Japan. I noticed that the theory children can be accustomed to new environment because they have high adaptation ability is wrong. They face the obstacles of language, culture and making friends. Under such a hard environment, children strive toward comfortable niche. “I’m going to be a bridge between Japan and Philippines someday”. I felt chagrin and hope for the future at the same time.

After the panel discussion, Professor Watado gave chance to a girl who was struggling to gain special permission for residence. Ms. Mary Jane Parnes Garcia who gained special permission for residence at last cheered her up. “How hard it is, how long it takes, the day we all become happy must come. Hang on together by that day.” Everyone in the symposium must have gotten energy from her. 

It’s probably difficult to perfectly understand their pain. However, I’m going to face what I can do for them and do my best until the day everyone feels happy for real comes.

The article from one volunteer (Ms. Nagashima)

In A.P.F.S. , various volunteers join activities. Here is the article of one volunteer. 

It’s been passed 7 years since I knew the Immigration Bureau. I saw the letter which was written by the foreigner who had been deported in the eastern Japan entrance center. I read a few letters written in French, and I got shocked that there is such a place in the developed country. There are many people who are deported for a long time and get sick just because of overstay. They need to prepare for a lot of money and get through complicated procedure to get provisional release status. Even if they get provisional release status, they are not allowed to work. They might be put in custody again. 

At that time, I often saw the news about the ship which is filled with many African people arrived at the beach in Italy. Some people became a statistic. In Paris, there are often demonstrations by undocumented foreigners. However, in Japan, there are few people who know the Immigration Bureau even if there are many Foreigners . Therefore, probably most people don’t understand what I am talking about. 

However, in Suginami where I live, the consultations for foreigners was held for free. I feel the government starts getting involved in this problem little by little.

I live in Japan with NGO like APFS, so I'm going to try to listen to foreigners’ suffering who live in Japan to understand each other.

On the Provision of 500 Meals of Bangladeshi Curry (Hassan)

Shajahan Baitalik (Hassan) (Director, A. P. F. S. / Padma)

※This post is renewed with the link to Mr. Hassan's shop "Padma". You can see the link from →here← (Japanese).

○ My motivation to go to the disaster area

I wanted to do what I can. No matter how much we think “it must be horrible”, we do not understand what disaster victims feel. We cannot understand. How hard it is to have one’s family die. It is very hard. You cannot go home, take a bath and go to sleep. How can it be? For such people (disaster victims), I want to do something, anything, whatever I can to tell them “keep on fighting”. This is where I work (Padma: Italian & Bangladeshi restaurant), so this (providing meals) is what I can do the best. I wished that everyone had something warm to eat just for once so I can show my sympathy.

○ Not for the interviews, but for the disaster victims

First I thought to go (to the site) without even saying my country of origin or my religion. I did not want to say. I do not do this for publicity. I told to interviewers too that “I have not come for interview” and turned them down. I told them to ask questions while I kept on working. (I came to help disaster victims,) not for that (the interviews), but as a same human being.

○ Together with everyone

There are also people who say (to me) that I should leave Japan but we are in this together, so I only leave when all the Japanese (leave).

○ Happy, for the first time in my life

Happiness. I felt happiness for the first time in my life. I have not slept for about three days. I was very tense and the hard work was also a great deal. I drove (the car) all the way and back, so my body was in a messy condition. (After the project when I went home,) I took a bath and tried to drink a can of beer but I was so tired that I could not. My body was.

I slept for four hours and went back to work. The weariness of my body was all gone. Why? Because I am happy. I am happy, so I recovered from the fatigue in an instant. Usually when I drive for a long time, my feet start to hurt but this time I did not feel anything at all.

All the elderly people keep hanging on under such painful circumstances. It is cold. There is no food. They are in a situation where they cannot go outside. It is snowing. They are eating onigiri (rice balls) only, onigiri with no flavor, just plain rice. (Having seen that, at the disaster area) I could not eat from morning. At the same time, we are living in such luxury. Thinking of that, I could not eat. That (when we finished distributing meals) was the first time that I first ate the onigiri I got (from the disaster victims).

Preparing meals for 500 people was not difficult for me as a professional, what was different is that until now I cooked for customers. Customers eat, they pay. It is business, so if it sells I am lucky. If it does not, that is just the way it is. This time, if there is any kind of mistake, if something is late, there is no second chance. I promised 500 meals, I said I would do it and it is OK, I took responsibility. I was extremely tense; it was a huge pressure because it was such a situation that no failures were allowed whatever the reason of incapability. This kind of experience was for the first time. I could overcome this, so I am happy now. Until now, I have never thought of what happiness is but (this time) I could get a taste of happiness. I will definitely never forget that elderly people and children too asked for a second portion and were very happy.

○ My gratitude to Ms. Mega (prefectural employee coordinating for us locally) and the employees of the city hall

I think it is not strange if I say we owe it to Mr. Kato’s friend, Ms. Mega; she did the most important job. It really helped. If it was not for her, we could not find back roads, since it is not in the car navigation system and there was no one to ask. She provided us information and came at six o’clock (to the interchange); she did not sleep (too much for sure). I am grateful for that. I am also grateful for people at the local city hall for letting us come. Otherwise we could not have gone.

○ To the citizens of Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture

I think it is devastating without all kinds of goods, without family, without friends, so it is not uncommon to feel that there is nowhere to go or lose one’s desire to live.

We all have to keep on fighting not only for ourselves. Everybody is supporting you to give you strength. For everybody all over Japan, for everybody all over the world too, you have to start everything from zero again because I think you are strong. You can overcome it for sure. Believe it and work hard. Thank you very much.

○ Applauded at Matsusaki Elementary School

Thank you all. Being applauded was extremely embarrassing. It should be the other way around (normally, I should applaud to all of them), should not it? It was very embarrassing. They (disaster victims) can complain me (living in Tokyo), they can push me. While I live a luxurious life in Tokyo, they (disaster victims) have to face such horrors and (still) they applauded me. It was embarrassing.

○ About buying up things

People (in Tokyo) buy too much, they are in a panic. They (in the disaster area) get only one onigiri (to eat). People (in Tokyo) are buying things saying there is no this or that. Even if they do nothing (any supporting activities), I wish if they would just go (first) and see it (the disaster area) once. I think they would realize the wrong (buying up things) they do.

○ From now on

I would like to cook or help dismantling there.

If there was anyone to look after my business for me (in the meantime)…

The article from one volunteer (Ms. Ikeda)

In A.P.F.S. , various volunteers join activities. Here is the article of one volunteer.

I’m Yuko Ikeda, doing the volunteer work at A.P.F.S. since November 2010.

The reason why I started working as a volunteer is because I studied about foreigners in Japan when I was a university student. The summer of my third year in college, I visited Nonprofit Organization in Toyota, Aichi prefecture where I was born, and I was so surprised at seeing a lot of Brazilians living in that area. After that experience, I took interested in how many foreign people live in Japan, or why they are in Japan. Then I began to study about them at college. I was being a tutor for exchange students, also doing the volunteer work for Japanese class in my town. After I graduated, I wanted to do something for aliens in Japan since I had lots chance to be involved with foreign residents. Fortunately I found A.P.F.S. and started the volunteer work there.

Now I come to the office once a week. My job is mainly to write up the papers, and to translate Japanese documents into English. I have visited the lawyer with a foreign consulter. Almost all papers are about residence visa status. At first there were lots words which I didn’t know, but gradually I get to understand what they mean and under what situation the foreigners are.

It has been about 6months since I started doing the volunteer work. Working at A.P.F.S makes me think. I realized that it was not easy that people live in the foreign countries. I hope that more Japanese begin to know the situations of foreign residents in Japan. I feel that there are not a lot of things which I can do, but I’d love to do my best as a volunteer.

On the Provision of 500 Meals of Bangladeshi Curry (Jotaro Kato)

Jotaro Kato (Representative Director, A. P. F. S.)

At A. P. F. S., we are engaged in our activities under the ideology of “crossing borders and living together”. This activity was exactly what A. P. F. S. is trying to achieve.

This project became reality from the strong desire of Mr. Hassan (Bangladeshi origin), one of our directors that he wanted to “help regardless of country of origin”. There was this tremendous pressure from him (J), so the project to distribute 500 meals of Bangladeshi curry came to form with a surprising speed. According to the schedule, we had the planning and started with coordinating on March 24^th (Thu), the final decision and preparations were made on March 25^th (Fri), we left on March 26^th (Sat) and the distribution itself took place on March 27^th (Sun). I have to think again that we could realize this project in such a short period of time only because we are an NGO/NPO.

First of all Mr. Hassan and Mrs. Hitomi Katsuta, people at Padma (an Italian & Bangladeshi restaurant) made the preparations without any sleep and rest. Their teamwork and enthusiasm was really something.

Further on, this project came to life thanks to a friendship from my student years. Ms. Tomoe Mega, an employee of Iwate Prefecture made all kinds of coordination locally. Ms. Mega is a former classmate of mine from college when I studied international relations. On the 25^th (Fri) I was on the phone with her almost the whole day. She responded to our wishes, so coordination was probably difficult but she kept her smile till the end. I am truly grateful to her.

I took the liberty to walk around the evacuation shelter and talk to disaster victims.

○ An old lady whose husband was taken by the waves but tries to survive with all her heart up to his share as well.

○ A junior high school student who rushed all the way from Hokkaido to help his or her disaster stricken relatives.

○ Members of the town association who are working night and day devoted to the people of the community even if they were hit by the disaster themselves.

Probably it is very difficult for them now but they still communicated with us as hard as they could.

It is said that life at the shelter is stressful but people were cooperating, making a circle and comforting each other. I felt the strength of the citizens of Ofunato. They can recover for sure. That is what I thought. By the time I realized, I was encouraged myself.

At the end of our curry distribution, I naturally muttered the following words to everyone. “At the time of this national disaster, all of us have to join forces. Tokyo is also making efforts. Let us work on it together.” Problems faced by Tokyo such as the nuclear plant crisis, the planned power outage and the buying up panic are not small either. However, I strongly think that we must not forget about Tohoku which suffered the most damage.

I believe what we need now is the idea of “crossing borders and living together”. There are those like Mr. Hassan who thinks of Japan like no one else does. If we end now, then it was merely for our self satisfaction. We will think and carry out what A. P. F. S. can do next.

“Originally Ofunato is very beautiful. You have to come after we recovered.” Many people told us so. It made my feelings stronger to go back for sure.

On the Provision of 500 Meals of Bangladeshi Curry (Hitomi Katsuta)

Hitomi Katsuta (A. P. F. S. / Padma)

Including me, I think people who watch TV in Tokyo all have an urge to “do something (go to the site and help)” but it cannot be realized so easily. If you are in Tokyo you feel awfully worthless. You do not know what you should do. I am grateful that I had the chance to go like this.

- Were preparations difficult?

It was a great amount, there was simply no time (departure was decided on March 25^th and we left on March 26^th) and the circulation of goods is also limited, so the preparation of ingredients was quite difficult. It was difficult for me but there are other people who are in much more trouble than me, so it was not such a big deal. However, if it had been an ordinary (for-profit) event or job, I think I could not have done it.

- How did you felt after departure until you arrived to the site?

A part of me was excited. It was a long drive but my body did not get tired. Though, I was worried because of the fuel (limited supply), because we were heavily loaded and the road was bad. I was also worried because if we had not made it (to the site) in time, it would have been a big inconvenience to the locals.

- What did you feel when you saw the state of the disaster on site?

Although I had seen the circumstances on TV every day, when I saw it in real … how should I put it … what was it … what can I say … it was shocking. We only think that it must be difficult but people on the site have lost everything they had put together until now through their life, they have to clean up and secure a home for themselves. I think it is a task what makes one wonder. I might not be of great help but I thought if there was anything I could do.

- Your biggest impression from the site?

The mutual helping spirit of local people. In Tokyo, we complain about the buying up of water or that “there is no rice” or that “there is no milk”. For example, there is no water there either, still if they (people on the water supply truck) say that “I give you two bottles of water”, locals help each other by saying “one bottle is enough, give it to others”; it was very impressive. Meanwhile, Tokyo feels like a contest (for goods). I was deeply moved by this mutual help (on the site). For example, I felt grateful for the welcoming attitude of people there when they gave us pocket warmers, shio-musubi (salty rice balls) and seagull eggs at the shelter. It was rather us who were encouraged and supported by them.

- Message to the citizens of Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture

Even if there were oil stoves, the gym’s floor was very cold. Already two weeks have passed, so the initial excitement was over too and fatigue is supposed to start to kick in, still, even if this all happened, most of the locals are thinking positively, so I want them to go on and hope that I was a little bit of help. I think they are all very humble (towards supporters), so I think they could as well complain more.

- What would you like to do in the future?

We see it every day on TV but I could go right to the site and look at the circumstances, so I think it is up to me to tell others here what I saw, heard or felt. Now, I have put up a photograph (in the restaurant I manage) and whenever I speak to the customers they want to hear about it. If only I could somewhat communicate it to people here. If I had the chance, I would like to provide meals again too.

One year after the death of Mr. Suraj

With March 22^nd, exactly one year has passed since Mr. Suraj died during deportation last year.

I knew him only for a short while but even I could not help but remember him. His wife probably recalls this one year together with a great number of other memories.

In my memory, Mr. Suraj talked peacefully with his wife even when it was during the visiting hours at his detention. He was always worried about his wife’s health and handed her letters written in Japanese. This scene reflected well their long and harmonious relationship.

The photograph is from a gathering held on March 22^nd where his wife and friends commemorated him. I think it is a wonderful picture.

* The scheduled submission of demand letters to the Chiba District Attorney’s office was delayed. We still need your support to the collection of demand letters（http://apfs.jp/eng/event20110323_881.php). If the new submission day is decided on, we will let you know either at this BLOG or on the APFS homepage.

A march for Mr. Suraj!

Today from twelve o’clock, we marched in Shibuya to demand a swift prosecution by trial in the case of Mr. Suraj and to let ordinary people know about it.

In the warm and sunny weather, altogether almost seventy participants from various countries such as Japan, the USA, Pakistan and Iran took part. During the march, we handed out flyers to passers-by and felt a good response. We had spontaneous participants and donations to the Suraj Fund etc., so it turned out to be a successful march…

This time, a friend of Mr. Suraj took the microphone and the lead making appeals. At APFS, we support all kinds of foreign migrants but it is always most inspiring when their friends broaden the circle of support. Together with Mr. Suraj’s wife, his friends and a team of lawyers working on the case, APFS will continue its efforts to unravel the truth about Mr. Suraj’s case!

“Suraj Case Report” at the Chiba District Attorney’s Office & On a march

Regarding Mr. Suraj’s case, we reported here too that the documents of ten immigration employees were sent to the district attorney’s office. Almost two months have passed since then but there are no developments… At APFS, together with Mr. Suraj’s wife and a team of lawyers engaged in the case, we went to the Chiba District Attorney’s Office under such circumstances to inquire about the proceedings (however since it was only allowed to her and her attorney, APFS could not attend). Mr. Murakami, the prosecutor working on the case, informed us but conclusively no new information or future outlook was revealed. The reason was that it is too early for that. We are really sorry that the office does not seem to feel the urge in comparison with cases where they restrain suspects. We are planning to make an appeal to the district attorney’s office for swift prosecution by trial soon.

It will be one year after Mr. Suraj’s death next month. If we are asked how many people know about the case (even if they know about it, most people do not know what followed), we only feel worthless as the support organization.

On March 6^th, to let many people know about Mr. Sura’s case, we will hold a march with Mr. Suraj’s wife and his friends according to the following (we have announced it on the APFS homepage too). Please participate if you can!

Date & time: March 6^th (Sun) 2011, 12:00-14:00 (uncertain for the ending)

Place: from Jingu-dori Park (10 minutes on foot from the East Gate of Shibuya station, next to Miyashita Park)

Mr. SURAJ’S Case Sent to the Prosecutor: Press Conference

 

Since the documents of ten immigration employees were sent to the prosecutor’s office at the end of the year, a press conference was held from 5:15 PM, January 11th by Mr. SURAJ’s widow, the lawyers association working on the case and APFS. It may be a little odd to hold a conference following the sending of the documents. However, since there have been no developments in the case for nine months, we fear that the case will be forgotten, so we decided to hold the conference.

Mr. SURAJ’s widow said that she is happy with the fact itself that the case was sent to the prosecutor’s office, but she also expressed her discontent over the prolonged investigation. Furthermore, during questioning by the police she was persistently asked if Mr. SURAJ had any preexisting condition and she felt the intent of the police to stress that the reason for Mr. SURAJ’s death might have been a chronic illness.

Additionally, the lawyers association reported that at the end of the year they were kept waiting for more hours during the preservation of the evidence at the Ministry of Justice (preserving evidence such as the videotape taken at Mr. SURAJ’s deportation so that it would not be disposed of or altered). Suddenly the appointment itself was postponed (it is quite illogical to postpone in case of preservation of evidence) and finally only half of the requested evidence were handed over.

There are many obstacles, but we believe that the truth will be recovered and continue with or activities. We trust in your continuous concern and support.