Issue Briefing No. 62

Reflections of a Myanmar
Activist: Navigating Struggles andFostering Resilience in Japan for
the HomelandInterviewer and writer: Hnin Htet Htet Aung
(Master’s student, School of International and Public Policy, HitotsubashiUniversity)
April 12, 2024

*The paper was written based on an interview conducted on March 1, 2024.

The Institute for Global GovernanceResearch (GGR) undertook an interview
with Myo Min Swe, seeking to unravel
thedynamicMyanmar

experiences

diasporainoftheJapan.

This

exploration unfolds within the contextof Myanmar's ongoing struggle withmilitaryrule,asituation

imposedruthlessly against the collective will of
the Myanmar people, and the support
andactivityofMyanmar

activists

residing in Japan.
Myo Min Swe, a member of the Milk Tea Alliance Japan, actively addresses
the challenges and opportunities encountered by Myanmar activists
currently residing in Japan. Originating from the Yangon region and affiliated1

Reflections of a Myanmar Activist

Issue Briefing No. 62

with the Bama ethnic group, Myo illuminates the distinctive experiences ofthe Myanmar community in Japan. He draws from his 18 years of firsthandexperience as a member of the Myanmar diaspora living in Japan to offer
profound insights.
When Myo arrived in Japan in 2005, he had no previous involvement inpolitical matters. With an interest in the field of network engineering and thegoal of securing a full-time job in Japan, he enrolled in a college, majoring in
network engineering. “I seriously intended to obtain a salaried job after
finishing the college. Unfortunately, I had to quit the college since I
immersed myself in activities and movements in Japan to support the 2007
Saffron Revolution in Myanmar which involved political and economicprotests. During that period, we, the Myanmar diaspora in Japan, rallied in
front of the United Nations University and the Myanmar Embassy in Japanfor the release of all political prisoners, the abolition of the 2008
constitution which was adopted by the military junta and reserved 25% ofparliamentary seats for serving military officers, and an end to the civil war,among other causes.” He explained
hiscircumstances

duringthatperiod, offering insights that serve
as a reflection of the prevailingpolitical landscape in Myanmar andtheexperiencesoftheyoungMyanmar diaspora in Japan. He alsoemphasized that the year 2007
“stands out as a turning point in mylife, propelling me from being an
ordinary youth to an activist. Thistransformation was fueled by my deep-seated aspiration for the promotionof democracy and human rights in my homeland." Myo’s articulate expression
makes clear his resolute motivation, alongside a poignant acknowledgmentof the heartache stemming from his unfulfilled college aspirations.
“Although I couldn't complete my college education, I did not fail in
supporting student activists in Myanmar concerning their activities andeducation. I recognize the paramount importance of education for society,and these student activists represent our future leaders who can foster abetter Myanmar by championing human rights and democracy. Thus, alongwith other Myanmar diaspora in Japan, I founded the group 'We for All' toraise funds not only for student activists but also for orphanages, centers

2Reflections of a Myanmar Activist

Issue Briefing No. 62

for HIV/AIDS patients, and other similar causes," he elucidated, shedding
light on the remarkable resilience and strong-mindedness of the youth living
away from their homeland. This endeavor reflects a profound considerationfor other youths engaged in the struggle for democracy and human rights inMyanmar.
In retrospect, Myo dramatically remembers playing a crucial role incoordinating an election monitoring trip to Myanmar in 2015. During thishistoric venture, he facilitated the participation of Japanese lawmakers toobserve the transformative moment in Myanmar's trajectory. The National
League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, achieved a sweeping
victory, marking the end of a 50-year military rule. “After five years under
the NLD government, we observed positive changes in Myanmar, notably in
diplomatic and economic ties with ASEAN countries, especially Japan.
Motivated by these improvements, my wife and I made the decision to return,aspiring to contribute our knowledge and experience gained in Japan for thebetterment of our homeland. Unfortunately, the 2021 military coup has
disrupted our dreams and dashed our hopes for a brighter future in ourcountry," he lamented.
Inconcluding,Myounderscored,“IstronglyurgetheJapanesegovernment to heed the voice of the Burmese people and extend
humanitarian assistance. It's vital to establish connections with the NUG
government, actively
theI strongly urge the Japanese government to heed

political scene, andthe voice of the Burmese people and extend

halt ODA funding tohumanitarian assistance. It's vital to establish

theTheconnections with the NUG government, activelyofparticipate in the political scene, and halt ODA

targeted

economic

sanctionsandfunding to the military. The implementation oftargeted economic sanctions and the provision ofhumanitarian aid are imperative.

participateinmilitary.

implementation

provision

theof

humanitarian aid areimperative.” Continuing, he conveyed, “My message to the people of Japanis a sincere expression of gratitude for their steadfast support to Myanmar's
pro-democracy movement since the coup. I deeply appreciate their diverse
forms of involvement, such as participating in signing petitions andsupporting Myanmar in various ways.”

3Reflections of a Myanmar Activist

Issue Briefing No. 62“Moreover,” he urged, “I call upon the Japanese people to encourage
their government to collaborate with democratic forces and aid the peopleof Myanmar in addressing the Myanmar issue.” Through an examination ofthesedemands,

becomesclear

fervently

ithowMyanmardiaspora and activists,
representing a diverse
rangeofethnicgroups, actively work
towards

promotingdemocracy and humanrights in the contextofMyanmar.

scrutinizing
activities,

By
their

one

cancatch a glimpse of the Myanmar they aspire to shape.

Myo Min Swe Profile
Myo Min Swe came to Japan as an international student and is currently
working as an adult while participating in democratization activities. The
Saffron Revolution that broke out in Myanmar in 2007 prompted him to
devote himself to democratization activities. Since the military coup onFebruary 1, 2021, he has been working to abolish the dictatorial militarysystem and realize a federal democratic state in Myanmar. In June 2022, heestablished “We For All" which is a non-profit organization. The organization
supports internally displaced persons in Myanmar through methods such as
street fundraising activities and charity events. The organization strongly
opposes the violent Myanmar army that staged a coup, and is working toensure that the international community, including the Japanese government,
recognizes the National Unity Government (NUG) and helps the people ofMyanmar. The organization will continue to fight for a federal democraticnation with human rights and freedom.

4Reflections of a Myanmar Activist