On Sunday night Japan time, the death from cancer of the beloved musician and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto was announced, prompting mourning in Japan and around the world.

In addition to his musical work, Sakamoto also actively spoke out on social and environmental causes, and had started a non-profit dedicated to trees and forests. In the month before his passing, he spoke out against the Jingu Gaien redevelopment project, expressing concern for the environmental damage and requesting directly to Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and other politicians that the project plan be revised. 

Many people wanting to honor Sakamoto's memory are viewing revision of the Jingu Gaien redevelopment plan are viewing as his last wish, and have flocked to support our petition -- we have added 50,000 signers to this petition in the days since his passing, and are now over 175,000 signatures.

We decided to hold a demonstration tomorrow, in the courtyard of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in Shinjuku, to give our supporters a chance to express their anger and disappointment at the Tokyo government and Governor Koike for pushing forward with the plan. And also with Governor Koike for having callously brushed off Sakamoto's letter.

Here are the details:

1. Please wear something green! 
2. If you can, please bring a handmade sign or poster that shows your protest of the development plan. The more creative the better! The press loves to take pictures of these.
3. Meet at the courtyard of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building at 2 pm.
4. From 2 to 3 pm, we are going to make formations and take some pictures. We will arrange in lines in concentric half circles, following the shape of the courtyard. This should make for very impactful pictures.
5. From 3 to 4 pm, we will split up into small groups to discuss what further actions to take to oppose the plan. If you have an idea that you would like to gather people to work on, please write it on the reverse side of your sign or poster, as a way to tell people about it.

We are encouraging people to bring musical instruments if you like. We can't be rowdy but we can have music. Also don't bring any large speakers or instruments that need to be placed on the ground. But hand-held instruments are good. 

Also, a reminder, we are having an English language Jingu Gaien Gaijin Squad meeting this afternoon at 4 pm in Setagaya. That is also a great opportunity to get more involved. Details here: https://www.change.org/p/protect-jingu-gaien-s-trees-rethink-the-development-plan/u/31462948?recently_published=true

Hope to see you today and/or tomorrow!