February 8, 2025

Peace activists in Hokkaido’s Otaru City on February 7 held a rally in protest against the arrival of the U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer “Howard” at Otaru Port.

Participants chanted in chorus slogans such as these: “No to Howard’s arrival at Otaru!” “Don’t turn Otaru Port into a military port!”

Japanese Communist Party city assemblyperson Sakai Takahiro took part in this action.

Sakai pointed out that the U.S. warship entered the port without fulfilling its obligation under Japan’s domestic regulations to provide a report on cargo and the number of crew members prior to arrival. He expressed his determination to work hard to not allow U.S. military ships to call at Otaru Port, a peaceful commercial port.