Tension is rising in Nagano, where thousands of spectators and demonstrators are expected to gather next Saturday when the city hosts the Olympic torch.
The nongovernmental organization Students for a Free Tibet Japan is planning to organize a demonstration at the torch relay by holding banners and reading statements — without loudspeakers — criticizing the Chinese government for human rights violations.
They are planning to demonstrate with about 20 Tibetans residing in Japan at Nagano Station, Zenkoji Temple and the Nagano Olympic Memorial Arena.