Update and First Japanese Reactions to the Petiton

Dear friends and supporters of the petition to stop the removal of the memorial for Korean workers in Gunma (Japan),

Thank you all for signing, sharing the link and even donating money for its further distribution! I am overwhelmed by the great and spontaneous willingness of so many colleagues around the world to join the petition. In Japan, too, the issue is currently dominating the headlines.
I sent our petition to Governor Yamamoto on the morning of the 29th (Japanese time), but have not yet received a reply. However, there have been initial reactions from Japan: The "Mainichi Shinbun" published an article about it today, which quotes our core demands (https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240130/k00/00m/040/151000c and is being shared on various Japanese news platforms. In addition, the Japanese employees of charge.org have asked if they can create a Japanese version of the petition, to which I have given my consent.
As you may have heard, the Japanese police hermetically sealed off the "Forest of Gunma" on the 28th, and after erecting a privacy fence, the dismantling of the memorial began on the 29th. The plaque with the inscription has since been handed over to the NGO working to preserve the monument.
In my opinion, however, our action should continue until the monument is completely removed or until the dismantling is stopped. Perhaps the monument can no longer be saved at this point, but it is important that the discourse about it continues.
I would therefore ask you for your continued support. Share the link and encourage other people to join in. We are not doing this because we think we have a better understanding of Japanese history or politics than the people of Japan, but because we want to stand with those who want to work for peace and understanding between peoples. In the current world situation, every voice and every place characterized by this spirit matters.

Best wishes,
Reinhard Zoellner