Japan's Democratic Frontline: 4th Anniversary of Hong Kong Protests — Tokyo March
- Project
- ACT-005
- Location
- Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
- Date
- 12 June 2023
Mid-June marks the transition from spring to summer in Japan — rainy season in the Kanto region. Tokyo had been overcast for days before the march. On the morning of the event, as the team went to the print shop to collect leaflets, it started raining before we had even carried the whole stack to the train.
The ground at the park where the march began was muddy, and with insufficient lighting and no tent for rain cover, conditions were difficult. Amid the confusion, the Tokyo police suddenly prohibited marchers from opening umbrellas in the procession. Under torrential rain, participants still had to hold paper sheets and call out slogans. Humidity caused the loudspeaker to repeatedly cut in and out, making it extremely difficult to complete even the eight-character slogan of "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times" in its entirety.
Despite all of this, 150 participants persevered through the more than one-hour route circling Shibuya. Those at the front of the procession held banners the entire time without rest, their expressions unwavering. As the march passed through Omotesando, it was provoked by a number of Chinese nationals — but the Tokyo police maintained order professionally throughout.
We paid tribute together to all those who have fought tirelessly over the past four years. Only by continuing to persist can we ensure that those still in prison have not suffered in vain. We call on the Japanese government to step up and use its significant influence in Asia to stand against the tide of authoritarianism — to defend democracy and freedom in the Asia-Pacific alongside us.