Arab News Japan

TOKYO: On the peaceful last day of Japan’s annual Golden Week holiday, another demonstration, this time in support of Palestine, graced central Tokyo.

Hundreds of protesters, their voices echoing through the lively Shibuya district, gathered around Hachiko Square. Some were singing, others were chanting ‘Free Free Gaza!’, creating a powerful and unified voice of support.

‘We are ‘Protest Rave’, a group of volunteer musicians who have been using our music to amplify the voices of these protests. Our unique blend of sound and dance music has been a part of these demonstrations since last year, as we continue to express our unwavering solidarity with Palestine,’ shared SHINODA Miru, a local musician and one of the organizers.

Political scientist GONOI Ikuo, who was also participating, noted that “there was a conflict in our heart over whether it is good to play music while the Palestinians have been facing the genocide from Israel, Palestinian friends living in Japan, supported us to play music. We want to show our solidarity.”