On Nov. 10, 2016, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, Komeito, passed a proposal to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement and approved related legislation. Farmers and other anti-TPP ratification protesters expressed their frustration and anger against the bill that cleared at the Lower House plenary session when the outlook for the pact is uncertain due to Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election. Protestors are questioning why only Japan has to rush into the decision, ignoring the opinions of farmers.
Lower House approves TPP despite Trump victory
People gathered in protest against lawmakers’ decision on TPP ratification (In Nagatacho, Tokyo, on Nov. 10, 2016)
People unite to say “No” to lawmakers’ rush decision
“No to railroading of TPP,” people rally in front of Lower House office building (in Nagatacho, Tokyo, on Nov. 8, 2016)
People gather in front of diet in protest against TPP trade deal
Protesters shouting at lawmakers in anger (in front of Lower House office building in Nagatacho, Tokyo, on Nov. 4, 2016)
Don’t look down on nations,” anti-TPP group calls for no ratification
People calling for no ratification of TPP (In Nagatacho, Tokyo on Nov. 2, 2016)
“TPP would hurt farmers,” Kumamoto Prefecture farmers group stages sit-in protest
Members of Kumamoto Prefecture Farmers’ Political League staging a sit-in protest against TPP (in Nagatacho, Tokyo, on Nov. 1, 2016)
City residents also demonstrate anger
City residents protesting against lawmakers’ incomplete discussion on TPP (in front of Lower House office building in Nagatacho, Tokyo, on Oct. 19, 2016)