On Saturday, January 21, 2017, millions will gather in Washington D.C. and in hundreds of cities around the world. On Friday, January 20th, 2017, we will march in Tokyo, Japan. This is a local event for those that will be unable to travel to Washington D.C. - instead, we will march in solidarity with the Women's March on Washington here in Tokyo.

We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families - recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.  The rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted, demonized, and threatened many of us - women, immigrants of all statuses, those with diverse religious faiths particularly Muslim, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Native and Indigenous people, Black and Brown people, people with disabilities, the economically impoverished and survivors of sexual assault. We are confronted with the question of how to move forward in the face of national and international concern and fear. In the spirit of democracy and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers is too great to ignore.  We call on all defenders of human rights to join us.

The Women’s March will send a bold message to our new administration on their first day in office, and to the world, that women's rights are human rights. We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us.

Toward this end, we will join the DAJ (Democrats Abroad Japan) Appreciation Candlelight March in appreciation of progress. Please bring LED candles or get one at the park (for a small donation to cover the cost). And bring signs in line with the positive message of the march: "Women's rights are human rights" or "Protect women's rights because ...".

The DAJ has been gracious enough to allow the Women's March of Tokyo to join forces and walk side-by-side in their march and vigil and we appreciate all of their support and inclusion.

This is an INCLUSIVE march, and EVERYONE who supports the march's goals are welcome to join this peaceful gathering! We will gather at 6:30pm on Friday, January 20th. Please RSVP to let us know you plan on attending - we hope to see you there!