October 1, 2022

In protest against Russia’s annexation of four occupied Ukrainian regions, peace loving citizens on September 30 assembled in front of the Russian Embassy in Tokyo, chanting in chorus, “Peace for Ukraine!”

Among them were activists of the Japan Asia Africa and Latin America Solidarity Committee (Japan AALA), the Japan Peace Committee, and the Japan Council against A and H Bombs (Japan Gensuikyo).

JPC Secretary General Chisaka Jun criticized the territorial expansion by Russia with the use of the nuclear threat, and said, “Russia should stop its invasion of Ukraine without delay!”

Kawauchi Ken’ichi, a member of the Japan AALA Saitama local, pointed out that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine runs counter to the historical development under which the evolution of human rights during the period from the 20th century to the beginning of the 21st century illegalized wars. He said that it is necessary for people across the globe to stand in solidarity and voice a denunciation of Putin.

Japan Gensuikyo member Shimada Haruto said, “The use of atomic weapons will only produce catastrophic circumstances. As an activist of the anti-nuclear weapons movement in the only A-bombed nation, I strongly condemn Russia for making a nuclear threat.”