Protests for “Laws preventing hate in Okinawa” enter their 20th week in Naha, as residents also send petition to the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly
Protesters holding up signs such as “No Please for Hate” – September 30, in front of Naha City Hall
October 1, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
The “Silent Standing,” a silent protest that takes place in front of Naha City Hall every Wednesday, which protests against street-level propaganda that discriminates against Chinese residents and fans the flames of hate, entered its 20th week on September 30. According to the citizens protesting, the street level propaganda has not been seen in the 20 weeks they have been protesting, starting May 20.
On this day, 30 people from around the prefecture gathered to participate in the protest, holding up signs with messages such as “Hate is bad” and “No Place for Hate.”
The local group “Okinawa Counters” submitted a petition to the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly at their regular session in June, demanding they enact laws that prohibit hate speech. The assembly plans to deliberate on the issue during their in-progress regular September session.
One man, 48, an office worker who has continued to participate each week, said, “I wholeheartedly want to stop hate speech.” A 50-year-old woman from Naha who has been participating said, “If the laws to prohibit hate speech are enacted, it gives us a chance to teach people that these kind of hateful activities happen even in Okinawa.”
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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