Protest supporting North Korean school funding

As I made my way through Shibuya yesterday afternoon, I started to hear the familiar sounds of right-wing demonstrators. They typically stand atop their trucks at Shibuya's famous crossing shouting pro-imperialistic slogans. But no sooner had I taken notice of right-wing guys, the sound of people marching began to bellow.

I was on the bus at the time and traffic came to a sudden halt. We passengers had a front seat to the events that proceeded. People holding signs and slogans demanding the government recognize "Chosen" (Korean) high schools as covered by the education act. They were basically demanding the government fund these schools and abolish tuition fees. These schools are currently classified as vocational schools and not supported by tax dollars.

This didn't sit well with the right wingers and police came out in force to avoid physical confrontation. There was a lot confusion at first as hordes of police ran every which way. But mission accomplished, no blood was spilled.

Police tactics were interesting. They identified right-wingers and troublemakers in the crowds and then formed tight human circles around them. Police made no attempt to silence them however. Not that they could have I guess. The extremists love to shout, scream and give the finger. But it did avoid a violent situation. Well done Tokyo police.

I was generally impressed at the number of people who turned out in favor of supporting North Korean schools. That should not be a big surprise however. The number of Zainichi (long term Koreans living in Japan) currently constitutes the largest ethnic population in Japan. There are over 60 North Korean schools in the country.