People have attended a memorial in Tokyo for those who died during China's crackdown on pro-democracy protesters at Tiananmen Square in Beijing 35 years ago.

The event in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on Monday night was to mark the 35th anniversary of the deadly incident. About 50 people gathered for the service, including Japanese human rights activists and Chinese- and Hong Kong-born residents.

The venue was decorated with a miniature replica of the "Goddess of Democracy" -- a statue set up at Tiananmen Square during the protests which was modeled on the Statue of Liberty.

Candles were also arranged to form the number "8964," which many people associate with the incident that happened on June 4, 1989.

Dong Peng, who is from China, said his elder sister participated in protests 35 years ago. He said he cannot tolerate Beijing's attempt to make people forget the incident.

Alric Lee, from Hong Kong, said there has been no freedom in the territory since the national security law came into force. He says now he understands how Chinese people felt back then.