A small but dedicated band of demonstrators took to the streets of Tokyo on Saturday, one of the first cities in the world to stage a “No Crowns! No Kings! No Tyrants!” protest against the policies of United States President Donald Trump.
Thousands of similar protests took place around the world and in all 50 US states on June 14, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the American army, coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday.
The movement is aimed at opposing a rare military parade in Washington hosted by Trump, which comes days after unrest in Los Angeles over his immigration raids.
The demonstration in front of Tokyo’s busy Shibuya railway station was among the first in the world due to Japan’s geographical location.
Critics say the massive military parade that rolled through Washington on Saturday was a waste of around US$90 million in federal funds at a time when public services in America are being slashed.
Others among the more than 20 protesters – including Japanese – defying the rain in Tokyo on Saturday gave a range of reasons for their presence.
