A women-only anti-nuclear sit-in in Tokyo has attracted more than 200 sympathizers, ranging in age from their teens to their 80s, according to the organizers.
A women-only anti-nuclear sit-in in Tokyo has attracted more than 200 sympathizers, ranging in age from their teens to their 80s, according to the organizers.The women gather each day in front of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.The protest started on Oct. 30 and is due to run until Nov. 5. It was organized by members of nongovernmental organizations and homemakers. Passers-by in Tokyo’s Kasumigaseki district are being invited to “spare just a few minutes from your commute.” Each day, the protesters arrive outside the ministry around 9 a.m. and leave at 6 p.m.They are calling on the government to rescind its decision to resume operations of suspended nuclear reactors and halt the export of nuclear technology.“Some women would find it difficult to join a citizens group or to participate in a rally,” said Yuko Yatabe, a 54-year-old organizer from Naka, Ibaraki Prefecture. “I want this place to serve for such women, allowing them to join in by just sitting in protest.”One protester who was finger-knitting a length of yarn, said, “This is my way of showing my determination."The protest is due to wind up at 3 p.m. on Nov. 5.