In response to rising discriminatory rhetoric toward foreigners and people with overseas roots during Japan’s July Upper House election, lawyers and activists held a public demonstration on the night of August 1 near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.
Under the slogan “We will not tolerate a society full of lies and discrimination,” the protest was organized by 12 prominent figures, including lawyers Keiko Ota and Shoichi Shibukawa, Peace Boat co-director Sumiko Hatakeyama, music producer Kiyoshi Matsuo, and author Yuka Murayama.
According to organizers, over 1,000 people gathered. Music producer Shuya Okino said, “When each person speaks up against lies and discrimination, society takes a step forward.”
Participants included Eishi Kasagi, a 40-year-old musician from Suginami Ward, who held a placard reading “Stop Discrimination” that he originally made two years ago to protest the revised immigration law allowing deportation of asylum seekers. “It’s frustrating that I still have to hold this sign,” he said.
A woman in her 20s from Setagaya Ward also joined after work. She identifies as LGBTQ and has relatives in international marriages. Hearing discriminatory remarks about LGBTQ people and foreign residents during the election made her feel upset. “I hope we can live in a society where it’s not even necessary to say we’re against discrimination,” she said.
Organizers, including Ota, are also promoting an online petition urging lawmakers to create a society that values the dignity of all people, including foreigners.
Link to petition (Change.org)
by MagazineKey4532