An anti-nuclear demonstrator holds a portrait of outgoing Tokyo Electric Power Co. President Masataka Shimizu with a slogan, "Don't spread radioactivity to western Japan," during a demonstration in Tokyo on Saturday, June 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)The Mainichi Daily News has reported on Saturday's mass protests in Tokyo against nuclear power, in which many thousands blocked city streets. Entire families, including toddlers and even dogs wearing signs, took part, calling for a phase out of nuclear power in Japan. The Mainichi Daily News also reported about a solidarity action in New York City -- organized by Japanese expats -- commemorating the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear catastrophe three month mark by warning that it can also happen here, as at the Indian Point nuclear power plant. The New York Times reported that, for many in Tokyo, it was their first protest ever in a country renowned for its conformity and obedience to authority. The Times reported:
“I’m here for my children,” said Aki Ishii, who had her 3-year-old daughter in tow. “We just want our old life back, where the water is safe and the air is clean.” Her daughter wore a sign that said “Please let me play outside again.”
Hiromasa Fujimoto, a rice and vegetable farmer, said it was his first protest, too. “I want to tell people that I’m just so worried about the soil, about the water,” he said. “I now farm with a Geiger counter in one hand, my tools in the other.”
“It’s insane,” he added.