1,000 people march in demonstration calling for 'vote for peace'

On July 4, the last Sunday before the House of Councilors election, more than 1,000 citizens walked in demonstration calling for "vote for peace" through Tokyo's Shibuya district, an area popular with young people.

The event was organized by World Peace Now, a citizens' peace group. Holding placards which read "(Japan's) participation in the multinational force is unconstitutional," and "Stop the Iraqi occupation," the marchers called on passers-by to not vote for pro-Iraq War candidates.

In a meeting held before the demonstration, cartoonist Ishizaka Kei said, "Prime Minister Koizumi is set to change the Constitution, and the vote is the only way to stop his attempt."

A truck driver, 33, who took part in the meeting said, "I feel the danger of war closer than before, because contingency laws will force me to transport Self-Defense Force cargo. I will use the election to express my will against Koizumi and the dispatch of the SDF." (end)