Japan has been fascinated with Hong Kong for ages. The sentiment was largely cultural initially, fuelled by a sustained interest in the city’s films and music from the 1970s and 1980s. Manga and anime creators often referenced its urban landscape as the model of a futuristic dystopian metropolis.
With political struggles engulfing Hong Kong under Chinese oversight, the cultural fascination has evolved significantly. Engagement between the two peoples has seen a distinct shift from mere appreciation of pop culture to a more profound belief in Hong Kong’s political cause.
Since the 2014 Umbrella Movement, and more prominently during the 2019 pro-democracy protests, a group of about 50 Japanese supporters has emerged, committed to the Hong Kong cause. Dozens of them have been regular participants at Hong Kong activities, including street protests, train station rallies, and seminars discussing the Hong Kong condition. This enduring solidarity is noteworthy, given the dwindling turnout of Hong Kongers themselves at such events in Japan – from nearly 500 protesters in June 2019 to just 40 in June last year. And yet, their Japanese counterparts are still making consistent appearances.
What drives the Japanese’s unwavering dedication to the city’s democratic aspirations? How do they navigate the complex political and social landscapes that influence their activism?
“Many of us fell in love with Hong Kong through its films and songs [from the 1970s and 1980s], and it was heart-wrenching to see the place we admired being dismantled, its young people assaulted and arrested by their own police,” said a key member of the group who called himself Prince Mango. “Our empathy for the indomitable spirit of the Hong Kong people and the existential threat to their identity keeps our support alive.”
Empathy aside, a sense of duty also motivates the Japanese supporters to continue their advocacy efforts so they can provide a voice for those silenced by repression. Some group members view their involvement as a moral obligation. A spokesperson told The Hong Konger: “As freedoms dwindle across Asia, those of us in Japan who can still speak up and assemble must carry the torch for those who cannot.”
Notably, from casual observation, the Japanese appear to remain the activist group most dedicated to Hong Kong’s cause despite falling participation in broader Asian solidarity movements due to political suppression and the overwhelming number of global issues demanding attention.
“The faces of the Japanese participants haven’t changed much,” noted a group member who declined to be named. Explaining their dedication, he said Japan itself was also a nation facing its own regional tensions and challenges in Asia. By backing Hong Kong, Japanese activists were not only advocating for democracy and human rights but also aligning themselves against rising authoritarian influences in the region, promoting a vision of Asia that valued freedom and rule of law.
The group’s persistent efforts not only keep the struggles of Hong Kong in the public eye in Japan, but also influence Japanese media coverage, ensuring that stories about the city’s fight for democracy continue to receive attention.
The determination of Hongkongers remains steadfast. We will not stop.
香港デモ5年の抗議活動を新宿で行いました。香港では何も出来なくなりましたが、香港人は世界に散らばり活動を続けています。ご理解、そして応援をお願い致します。
Credit:Alpha Ng
主催:@StandwithHK_JPN @hkladyliberty pic.twitter.com/OCeCfkK7BD— 平野雨龍 Uryu Hirano🐉 (@uryuhirano) June 11, 2024
In order to sustain momentum, the group has developed strategies that include community engagement as a key element. “We exchange contacts at every demonstration and meet up to keep the network alive. It’s crucial for maintaining momentum and strengthening our advocacy,” said Hirano Uryu, a Japanese activist and author who has organised many Hong Kong rallies in Tokyo.
Another strategy is media exposure. “Elevating Hong Kong voices in Japan through media and public appearances is our best strategy for maintaining public interest and support,” said Hirano. By connecting with journalists and participating in broadcasts, the campaigners aim to shift perceptions and foster a greater understanding of Hong Kong’s challenges. She believes strategic communication is essential not only for raising awareness but also for galvanising more support from the Japanese public and international community.
Through cultural affinity, shared democratic values and strategic engagement, this small but formidable group of Japanese activists is serving as a beacon of hope and a model of transnational solidarity. Their commitment highlights the power of steadfast support, but also the importance of community and strategic visibility in the face of global challenges. For Hong Kong activists in Japan, this solidarity means their cause has a small but firm base in the country. They can take heart from the support, learn from their Japanese allies and grow their voices together to reach a wider audience.
