As yesterday was Showa Day, a national holiday which until two years ago was known by the much nicer name of Greenery Day, tens of thousands of Tokyoites bundled up their barbecues along with some beers and made a beeline for the city’s, erm, green bits.
However, while the newly named holiday is officially supposed to encourage reflection on the reign of Emperor Hirohito (Showa), it falls on the same day that used to celebrate the ex-head of state’s birthday, meaning that large numbers of nationalists not surprisingly decided to forego the option of some food and a bit of fun.
Instead choosing to deafeningly drive around blaring out their bigoted bile,
regardless of whether people they passed were partial to their nonsense,
or not.
Peter says
I feel sorry for the homeless that would normally be living under that bridge. First the picnicers show up, and then the nationalists. Poor chaps.
shinobi says
what kinds of things were they saying?
im not familiar with japanese politics so im afraid you might have to fill some of us in.
Chris B says
Their goal is what exactly? I have been here 6 years and I still don’t know what their manifesto demands?
Lee says
Not exactly sure Chris, although primarily a return to the ‘good old days’ I presume.
There’s a good amount of old military songs Shinobi, with the national anthem an equally firm favourite. As for any coherent message, it seems to revolve around the return of an imperial regime, ‘justification’ of Japan’s military past, and a good dollop of animosity towards any anyone and anything.
There’s a lot more info here.
Cody says
I hope they dont have to drive to work in them cars!
drunkenkatori says
Nationalists driving around in wussy suburban minivans? Where are the giant black buses?
Lee says
If I remember correctly, most of them were taken off the road due to emission regulations a good few years ago.
Driving about in a family-focused Toyota doesn’t really have the same effect does it?