On the anniversary of Nakba Day, May 15, the ZENKO organization in Japan launched a wide-ranging political and media campaign to denounce the crimes of the Israeli occupation in Gaza and to protest the visit of the Israeli Foreign Minister to Japan
Amid the massacres that have claimed the lives of over 53,000 Palestinian civilians at the hands of Israel and the starvation of an entire population, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced—on the eve of Nakba Day, May 15—his intention to ‘intensify the offensive.
’ In a shocking move, Expo 2025 Osaka declared that May 15—Nakba Day—would be designated as “Israel National Day”. On May 13, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen visited Japan and met with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya. On May 14, he held a press conference at the Japan National Press Club, where the Japanese government once again publicly reaffirmed its support for the ongoing massacre in Palestine.
On that very day, ZENKO members raised their voices in protest, making it a significant day of resistance.
In the morning:
They conducted protest and petition actions targeting Israel-affiliated companies such as Fanuc and Fujitsu, as well as submitting requests to Diet members (from the Constitutional Democratic Party, the Japanese Communist Party, the Social Democratic Party, and Reiwa Shinsengumi).
From noon:
Fifty people gathered at the plaza in front of JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit. With chants like #FreeFreeGaza and Hands Off Gaza, speeches and calls began. Numerous foreign tourists joined by raising their fists, and office workers filmed the scene with their smartphones. Empathy and support came immediately.
Afterward, groups split up for different actions:
Protest and petition actions were carried out at 10 companies collaborating with Israel,
Visits were made to the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF),
A petition was submitted to the Delegation of the European Union to Japan (details of confirmed submissions will be reported later).
A major event was the visit to the Permanent General Mission of Palestine in Japan. Despite the sudden visit, Ambassador Walid Ali Siam received us warmly. Referring to the Israeli foreign minister’s visit and the Expo, he spoke powerfully,
saying: “No matter what happens, we will never give up the struggle.” (a pic is attached)
At 4 PM, 50 people gathered in front of the Israeli Embassy. In coordination with the police in advance, five representatives were allowed past the barricade to deliver a protest letter. However, when they tried to press the intercom to hand over the letter, several police officers blocked them, refusing to provide legal justification and merely repeating that it was a “request,” while grabbing their arms and physically pushing them back. The Metropolitan Police Department has no authority to enforce such measures without legal basis. Although it took time, the protest letter was eventually inserted into the gate. The thoughts shared by Ambassador Walid Ali Siam earlier that day were successfully conveyed to the Israeli Embassy.
At 5 PM:
The protest moved to the U.S. Embassy. Compared to the last time, we managed to get about 60 meters closer to the embassy, conducting a powerful protest action. It was proof that citizens’ voices are making an impact.
At 6 PM:
A wrap-up rally was held in front of the Diet. Upper House member Mizuho Fukushima came and gave a speech. Responding to our morning petition, an aide to Upper House member Yoshifu Yamashita also joined and spoke. Citizens who had taken part in the protest at the Press Club against the Israeli Foreign Minister also gave speeches.
This was a crucial protest action that strongly condemned the outrageous acts of the Ishiba government and the Expo Association—such as inviting the Israeli foreign minister for official talks and declaring Israel National Day on Nakba Day—and further strengthened solidarity with Palestine.