Antinukes marching in suits

October 31, 2013

 Office workers march in anti-nuclear demonstration in Tokyo

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201310310072

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN

Anti-nuclear protesters, many wearing business suits, marched through Tokyo’s Shinbashi district in the evening of Oct. 30.

Most of the attendees came straight from their offices to take part in the 40-minute demo.

The group started at a park near Shinbashi Station at 7 p.m and marched nearly 2 kilometers in the business district, shouting slogans such as “No to restarts,” “Stop contaminated water” and “Stop export.”

They also passed by the head office of Tokyo Electric Power Co., the operator of the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, to raise their voices against nuclear energy.

The event organizer’s aim was to increase the involvement of office workers, who generally hesitate to join demonstrations. Ordinary people are generally not taking any action, the organizer said.

Satoko Namikawa, a corporate employee who lives in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, attended the march in her black suit after finishing work.

The 31-year-old Namikawa said, “Having seen the devastation in Fukushima Prefecture a year ago, I no longer feel that nuclear power is necessary.”

She added, “I hope more people feel inclined to join demonstrations after seeing that many company employees attended this one.”

About 600 people attended the march, the organizer said.

600 march in business suits in central Tokyo to protest against nuke plants

Workers from different companies march against nuclear power plants in central Tokyo, on Oct. 30. (Mainichi)

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131031p2a00m0na003000c.html

An estimated 600 workers from different companies wearing business suits and ties took to the streets in central Tokyo on Oct. 30 to protest against nuclear power plants.

"No nuclear plants! Protect our children!" shouted participants including Michihiko Senda, 47, and his wife Rie, 45, during a 1.7-kilometer march in Tokyo's Shimbashi district. The couple and two other people who met at anti-nuclear demonstrations and meetings organized the event. They called for participants on their website and Twitter account.

The group required participants to wear business suits to raise awareness of the nuclear energy policy among company employees who have important roles in the business world and to appeal to society.