Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Hundreds of Japanese staged a demonstration outside the US Embassy in Tokyo on Thursday to protest America’s support for Israel and for supplying arms that kill Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

The demonstration was billed as “Action in front of the US Embassy – Emergency Action, Peace for Palestine.”

Four of the demonstrators were allowed by police to approach the embassy gate, where they read statements denouncing the United States and its “involvement in the genocide” against the Palestinian people.

They ended their speeches by saying America brought shame upon itself by supporting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s genocidal attacks on the Palestinian people.

The protesters chanted, “Biden, you can’t hide, Biden, Biden don’t support genocide.”

Buddhist monks were among the demonstrators and appealed for peace. One demonstrator pointed out that the United States had branded Nelson Mandela as a terrorist, which “demonstrated the true nature” of the American government.

Banners on display read, “US – Don’t collude in Israeli genocide”; “Stop the invasion of Rafah”; and “Stop importing Israeli-made attack drones.” The protesters targeted companies they said are collaborating with Israel, naming Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan Air Craft Supply, Sumisho Aero System and Kaigai Bussan.

One Japanese man shouted at the demonstrators. He told Arab News Japan: “First, Hamas should apologize for what they did and then release the hostages. After that the negotiations can start.” The demonstrators told him to go and study history.

A large police presence marshaled the demonstrators as they walked along the streets of Tokyo.