Living in Fear: The Story of “D” – Exiled in Japan
When “D”‘s father passed away, her primary emotion was relief. Living in Japan, “D” had been communicating with her parents via web cameras out of fear of arrest if she returned to China. Described only as a letter due to fear of Chinese authorities, “D” shared her father’s struggles as a dissident author against the Chinese state.
Despite the desire for normalcy, “D” couldn’t return home, with her father warning her to stay away for her safety. Chinese tactics of pressure and harassment against dissidents extended to those living in Japan, making life difficult for individuals like “D” who fight for freedom and democracy.
Through her translations of Chinese dissident authors’ works and her encounters with Liu Xiaobo, “D” continued her activism. However, her activities put her and her family at risk of harassment from Chinese authorities, impacting her sense of safety even while living in Japan.
As Human Rights Watch highlighted the systematic harassment faced by Chinese exiles in Japan, “D” and others continue to fight for their rights with limited support. “D” laments the lack of security, fearing the reach of the Chinese Communist Party even in Japan.
For “D,” remaining anonymous is a matter of survival in the face of ongoing threats and intimidation from the Chinese government.
Edited by: Wesley Rahn