30 Aug 2023 | 07:04 AM UTC
Japan: Various civic groups plan to stage commemorative events and demonstrations at multiple locations in Tokyo Sept. 1
Activists to stage commemorative events and demonstrations at multiple locations across Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 1. Increased security likely.
Event
Various civic groups will stage commemorative events and demonstrations at multiple locations in Tokyo Sept. 1 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Kanto Massacre. Organizers have announced gatherings at the following locations:
11:00 and 16:30: Yokoamicho Park
19:00: JR Kinshicho Station South Exit in front of Marui Kinshicho
19:00-19:30: Shinjuku Central Park Water Square
19:45-20:30: Protestors will march from Shinjuku Central Park Water Square to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Additional gatherings are possible Sept. 1. Events typically occur at public squares or outside government offices. Dozens to hundreds of participants will likely join each rally. Protests by groups opposed to the gatherings have occurred during previous similar events, and remain possible Sept. 1.
Authorities will likely monitor well-attended events and may attempt to disperse especially disruptive crowds. Rival demonstrations, and related skirmishes cannot be ruled out. Authorities will likely impose temporary road closures and traffic diversions along the march route, causing localized transport disruptions.
Context
The Kantō Massacre involved the killings of an estimated 6,000 people, mainly ethnic Koreans, in the Kanto region fuled by rumors of a possible uprising. The killings lasted three weeks from Sept. 1, the day of the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake. Most mainstream political parties in Japan have refuted accusations blaming the Japanese imperial government, military, and police for the incident and alleged mismanagement of its investigation. Some groups have also demanded the removal of a monument for the victims of the massacre in Yokoamicho Park, claiming that there is no basis for the estimated number of victims. Counterrallies hence remain possible during the commemoration.
Advice
Avoid protest venues due to possible skirmishes. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately for a secure, nongovernment building. Plan for possible localized transport disruptions and use alternative routes to circumvent the event venue. Allow additional travel time to reach nearby destinations. Heed all official security and traffic advisories.
