Khaldon Azhari

TOKYO: In the first seconds of the new year, a group of activists launched a demonstration near the famous Shibuya Scramble Square in central Tokyo, protesting a construction plan to redevelop a park into a big residential hub that includes business and shops.

“The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Shibuya Ward Office plan to redevelop about 10,000 square meters in and around Mitake Park and the children’s hall, starting in 2022,” a flyer distributed by the organizers said.

The protestors shouted slogans against the development plan while using big spoons and cooking pots to support the small restaurants’ businesses whose shops on the current parkland will be replaced by a multi-purpose hall underground and residential and business facilities.

After midnight, the protestors continued their demonstration, where thousands of the new year well-wishers coming from the adjacent square passed by.

“The big business is destroying our livelihood that depends on selling food on small carts in the current park,” the protestors said using loudspeakers.