Shinjuku protest against U.S. forces in Okinawa

David McNeill argued in a June 26 piece in the Irish Times that the issue of the U.S. bases in Okinawa may lead to the collapse of another Japan government in the future. A July 4 protest against the U.S. bases in Shinjuku on July 4 showed the beginnings of a movement that ought to have the government paying attention.

While the protest was attended by only a couple of hundred people at best, those there made a lot of noise, distributed literature and caught the attention of Sunday afternoon shoppers.

Demonstrators started to gather in front of Shinjuku's East Exit from around 2 p.m., with a 30-minute march taking place from 3 p.m. The event was organized by a number of small left-wing groups and there was no right-wing presence. Of note, however, were the huge number of police. Since the 1960s, demonstrations have been rare in Japan, and whenever one takes place, the police presence provides a hint as to why: Any escalation in demonstrator numbers will be more than matched by the authorities.

The police managed the demonstration very well, however, handling traffic in an organized manner and making sure things stayed safe.

The message of the demonstrators was, as was written on one banner ''Get the bases out of Okinwa. The best way of keeping peace for America and Japan is to oppose war.'' The crowd was a mix of old and young, there were plenty of musicians, which made for a lively atmosphere, and included quite a few eccentrics. The vuvuzela also looks to have found a home at demonstrations once the South Africa World Cup has finished.

The issue of Futenma is not going to go away for the Japanese government anytime soon, and the July 4 demonstration is not likely to be the last. As time goes by, and the deadlines for moving U.S. troops draws closer, public mood may turn against the government. The people of Tokyo have shown that they are ready to make their voices heard on the streets.

William Brooks has written one of the most detailed pieces of analysis on the issue.

This piece was made in collaboration with Rick Martin.

The Yoyogi ''air piano'' guy

Last weekend I headed to Yoyogi Park for the first time this spring/summer season in Japan. An old favorite was there - the guy that pretends to play piano and dance around. This stuff has been documented tons of times before, but seeing him on Sunday made me realize how much I miss going to Yoyogi during Japan's cold months. Well, that and outdoor boozing.

Last year, I Rub Your Blog did a good job of documenting a lot of the guys that do this sort of stuff in Yoyogi Park. His interview with the Japan Times is here. (The Ken Ishii that did the interview is not the famous techno producer.)

Yellow to reopen

Club Yellow is to reopen under a new name, Club Eleven.

Here is the press release (Japanese only I am afraid) with details.

For those who never went, it was always the best club in Tokyo and will likely regain that status once it reopens.

YELLOW企画室在職中は皆様には大変お世話になりました。
風の噂でご存知の方もいらっしゃるかとは思いますが、
この度、会社を設立し新店舗オープンに向け活動を再開しております。

経済不況の影響で、幸いにも元YELLOWの場所に戻れることになり、
急ではございますが来る2月18日（木）にelevenという名前でスタートします。

10年という括りを考えると2010年から始まっているのか
それとも2011年からが始まりなのか正直迷うところではありますが、
Take the first step into a new decade!!!!!
またあの場所でみなさんにお会いできる日が来ることを
スタッフ一同大変喜んでおります。

いいクラブになるまでにはこれから時間がかかるかもしれませんが、
志あるスタッフと遊びに来てくれるみなさんがいれば
その日はきっと遠くないと信じています。
さあ、みなさん！2/19（金）は有給休暇の申請をお忘れなく！
See you on the dance floor!

Parties In Tokyo This Weekend

Tonight I will probably be heading down to the Virgin Cafe in Osaki to see the latest night started by Munoz, London After Midnight, featuring Aron T as the guest. Munoz's London Calling parties have proved a massive success over the last year and the idea of a late bar party featuring good DJs that is outside of the Shibuya/Roppongi scene sounds pretty good. (Free)

For an all-nighter, Alter Ego is in town at a Club Axxics in Shibuya. This is one of those very confusing parties that Tokyo throws up every now and then. A DJ of international stature playing in a club that isn't particularly well known. If you think you haven't heard of Alter Ego, he is the bloke that wrote the tune Rocker, which was played just about everywhere a few years ago. (¥4,000 on the door)

On Saturday, the places to be are at opposite ends of Kanto - Electraglide and Push. I will be at the in-laws' house in freezing Yamagata.

Electraglide is taking place at Makuhari Messe and should be rather large. Celebrating its 20th birthday, Warp Records is in town to represent Sheffield, the center of the universe. Warp has moved on since its early days to become a much more established and diverse label than many would have expected and this event showcases that. Highlights will include Andrew Weatherall, !!! and Flying Lotus. (¥8,500 in advance)

Meanwhile, the Shonan party Push.. turns five. A live performance from Cro Magnon will be the main event, with DJ sets from residents Dante, Paul T and company. (¥3,000)