The Karen Around the World Unity in Japan held the 58th Anniversary of Karen National Day at the Minami Otsuka Hall, Tokyo on February 11, 2006. The function lasted 3 hours: from 13:00 to 16:00 pm Japan time. There was a video show program in the ceremony.

The Karen people celebrate this February 11th every year to mark the day when the entire Karen nationals, led by the Karen leaders like Saw Ba U Gyi, Pao U Hla Pe, Saw Maw Lay, Mahn Ba Zan, Thara Tha Toh and Mahn James Htun Aung courageously launched the non-violent struggle for freedom of Karen people on February 11th 1948, 58 years ago. At the Independence of Burma in 1948, about ten thousand Karen people demonstrated on 11 February, demanding freedom for the Karen homeland. When their demands were rejected, the Karen National Union (KNU) decided to take up arms to fight for their rights and freedom.

Like Shan/Tai people, the Karen ethnic group has been oppressed by the Burmese army in Karen State. Hundred thousands of Karen civilians have fled to Thailand and settled in the refugee camps on the Thai-Border areas. Fortunately, Karen people who fled their homeland are recognized with refugee status by the Thai Royal Government and the international community. However, Shan/Tai people, although they have fled from human rights abuses and labour force, forced relocation in Shan State, are not recognized as refugees.