Ariana
Fleeing Iran due to discrimination and violence experienced as a woman, Ariana has advocated for Iran’s future free from oppression and the return to the Pahlavi dynasty. Despite facing more challenges as a refugee in Japan, her activism for human rights continues through social media.
Guillain
As a gynecologist and activist, Guillain escaped political persecution in Congo and sought refuge in Japan. Despite facing challenges with refugee recognition, he resiliently forges his way through and continues to work towards a world of equality, upholding his lifelong commitment to helping others in need.
Nyo
Nyo grew up under the dictatorial military regime in Myanmar and came to Japan seeking safety after the violent suppression of the democratic uprising in 1988. Although his life in Japan was difficult for a long time with severe restrictions on his everyday life, Nyo is happy with the freedom he found here.
Sana
Growing up in Ghana and Burkina Faso, Sana suffered persecution by an Islamic militant group due to his engagement in social activism. Although he fled to Japan for safety with his parents’ support, he then had to choose detention over deportation, where he met with physical and psychological torture.
Patrick
Patrick was born in the English-speaking region of Cameroon and was forced to flee when his life was threatened amid the ongoing civil war known as the Anglophone Crisis. While he may have found immediate safety in Japan, he has also faced arrest, detainment, and restrictions under provisional release.
Christopher
Christopher was an activist in Cameroon who fought for workers’ rights, which eventually led to his persecution by the government and forced him to flee. Despite his hopes for a better life in Japan, he has faced various difficulties through years of seeking asylum and the eight months of detention.
Nahed
Nahed was born in Tunisia, North Africa, where she experienced isolation, harassment, and abuse from a young age due to her identity as an LGBTQ person. The influences of the Tunisian Revolution, Islam, and rigid social expectations of men and women in Tunisia have contributed to shaping Nahed’s journey.
Yasser
Fleeing the Syrian conflict, Yasser came to Japan with his mother and his younger sister. Since then, he has taken care of them, balancing challenging work and student life at Meiji University. Now, he is one of the few recognized Syrian refugees, a successful actor, and a social media personality in Japan.
Ozzy
Ozzy was just 13 when she and her family were detained in Japan on their way to flee to Canada from civil war and persecution in Liberia. Although they sought asylum in Japan instead, the pending decision has constrained her to a new restricted life here on provisional release and an uncertain future.
James
As a young male in the minority English-speaking part of Cameroon, James experienced a great deal of discrimination and violence by the government and military before leaving his family to flee to Japan. Through all the difficulties he has faced, his faith in Christianity has been integral to his endurance.
Sunday
Sunday was born in 1970 in Uganda. He was passionate about political activism for democracy from a young age, for which he ultimately suffered persecution. Forced to leave behind everything to survive, he made his way to Japan in 2007 and has fought for refugee recognition in court and detention since.
Gabriel
Gabriel began to receive death threats from the extreme Islamist group Boko Haram for his published book that taught Christian beliefs. Not being able to return to Nigeria, he sought asylum in Japan. His 30-year journey to refugee status was not easy, with heavy restrictions inside and outside detention.
