Hantenren
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 communist group opposed to the Emperor of Japan, Flag of Japan, Kimigayo and Yasukuni Shrine.[5][6]
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, a small crowd on Hantenren supporters protested the ascension of Naruhito with little attention given.[7]
References
- Author, No (December 2, 2001). "Birth of princess 'a delight' for the nation, Koizumi says". The Japan Times.
- https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/yasahina/files/becoming_right_wing_citizens_in_contemporary_japan.pdf
- https://www.sankei.com/life/news/171126/lif1711260041-n1.html
- http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article44210
- "Birth of princess 'a delight' for the nation, Koizumi says". The Japan Times. December 2, 2001. Retrieved 18 December 2009.
- Bull, Brett. "Face Off". Metropolis. Archived from the original on 27 December 2009. Retrieved 18 December 2009.
- Wong-Anan, Nopporn (May 3, 2019). "Japan's lonely anti-monarchist voices" – via www.bbc.com.