October 27 & 28, 2022

Freelance workers, including animators and voice actors, on October 26 assembled at Tokyo’s Hibiya Amphitheater to block the government intent to introduce the consumption tax invoice system in October 2023.

In the rally in which 1,200 people participated, several freelance workers appeared on the stage and expressed their determination to stop the introduction of the invoice system.

Writer Koizumi Natsumi pointed out that the invoice system will only impose excessive burdens on smaller business owners and freelance workers, and called on the participants to join hands to push the government to abandon the invoice system.

Anime producer Ueda Masuo who is known for his animation series and movies, such as the Gundam series, stressed the need to foil the government attempt on the grounds that the invoice system will force many animators out of business and harm the Japanese anime industry, one of Japan’s world-class entertainment industries.

Voice actor of the Spy x Family anime Kaida Yuko said that she decided to stand up to oppose the invoice system in order to enable young actors to continue working without additional anxieties, adding, “I’m sure our fight can force a change in government policy.”

In a recent survey, 25% of animators and more than 20% of voice actors said that they will probably have to give up on their careers if the invoice system is implemented.

Representatives of the All-Japan Commerce and Industry Organization Association (Zenshoren) and the Tokyo prefectural construction workers’ union delivered speeches in solidarity.

Japanese Communist Party members of the House of Representatives Tamura Takaaki and Miyamoto Toru and JCP member of the House of Councilors Yamazoe Taku along with Dietmemrbers of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, the Democratic Party for the People, the “Reiwa Shinsengumi” party, and the Social Democratic Party delivered speeches in solidarity.