Arab News Japan

TOKYO: A May Day protest was held in front of Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on Friday, drawing around 100 participants who gathered to voice their concerns over government policies.

May Day, observed on May 1, is internationally recognized as a day for workers’ rights and labor movements.

Demonstrators assembled near the entrance of the Prime Minister’s Office, holding placards and chanting slogans directed at the administration. The protest took place under a visible police presence.

During the demonstration, participants chanted slogans such as “Prime Minister TAKAICHI, do not support war,” “Do not support the war in Iran,” and “Do not support the killing in Gaza,” along with calls of “No to war” and “Peace in the world.”

According to the organizers, the protest was part of a broader anti-war movement led by labor unions and anti-war groups. They expressed strong opposition to the ongoing wars in the Middle East and criticized what they described as Japan’s alignment with US and allied military actions.

Participants expressed a range of concerns, including political issues, such as opposing dispatching their defense forces to war zones, in addition to broader social and economic challenges. The gathering remained concentrated in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, where protesters continued their calls.