Han Tennosei Undo Renraku Kai[1] (反天皇制運動連絡会, roughly Anti-Emperor Activities Network, Anti-Emperor Association[2] or Liaison Group Movement against the Imperial System[1]) shortened to Hantenren (反天連)[3][4] is a Japanese ultra-left group opposed to the Emperor of Japan, Flag of Japan, Kimigayo and Yasukuni Shrine.[5][6]

August 15, 2009

History

After the birth of Princess Aiko, the first born of the Crown Prince and Princess in December 2001, 60 Hantenren members conducted a protest against nationwide celebrations of the birth.[1] One member Homare Kitano, 42, is quoted saying “Today, many other children were born, but this baby will be praised as if she is the most blessed child”.[1] Other protesters chanted slogans such as “We won’t celebrate” and “No need for successor to Imperial family,” while wearing sashes with an “X” written over the kanji for celebration.[1]

During the 2019 Japanese imperial transition, Hantenren supporters protested the ascension of Naruhito.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Birth of princess 'a delight' for the nation, Koizumi says". The Japan Times. December 2, 2001.
  2. ^ Yūki Asahina (2019). "Becoming right-wing citizens in contemporary Japan". Contemporary Japan. 31 (2): 122–140. doi:10.1080/18692729.2019.1655618. S2CID 202302260.
  3. ^ "反天連が渋谷区でデモ 「民主国家に天皇制いらない」シュプレヒコールに右派駆けつけ罵声". 26 November 2017.
  4. ^ "Republican activists launch petition against Japan's imperial calendar - Europe Solidaire Sans Frontières".
  5. ^ "Birth of princess 'a delight' for the nation, Koizumi says". The Japan Times. December 2, 2001. Retrieved 18 December 2009.
  6. ^ Bull, Brett. "Face Off". Metropolis. Archived from the original on 27 December 2009. Retrieved 18 December 2009.
  7. ^ Wong-Anan, Nopporn (May 3, 2019). "Japan's lonely anti-monarchist voices". BBC News.

External links