Tokyo moves to restrict residents' political actions on streets

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Tokyo moves to restrict residents' political actions on streets

Tokyo Governor Ishihara Shintaro has submitted to the metropolitan assembly a bill to revise an ordinance apparently with the aim of restricting residents' political activities in the streets.

The Tokyo branch of the Japan Lawyers Association for Freedom has launched a signature campaign to urge the metropolitan government to withdraw the bill, claiming that it will seriously violate residents' freedom of expression.

Submitted by the governor was the bill to revise the ordinance established in 2003 for the creation of a safe and secure city.

For the purpose of "maintaining the safety and security of busy streets," the bill requires local business owners, residents, as well as shoppers and visitors to act in accordance with a guideline created by the governor and the metropolitan Public Safety Commission.

A report containing the basic ideas of the bill, compiled by a government panel, states, "Due to the influence of the worldwide economic recession triggered by the U.S. financial crisis, it is concerned that social conditions may become more unstable and unclear, leading to increase in crimes." It proposes regulation of "performances causing trouble to the general public and other actions that disturb order in the streets."

If the bill is enacted, many civic activities could be regulated, including artists' street performances, labor unions' street counseling activities, and residents' signature campaigns for the defense of the Constitution, for the abolition of nuclear weapons, or increase in the consumption tax rate.

- Akahata, February 27, 2009