Saturday, June 16, 2012

Policeman Politely Pointed a Protester in the Right Direction in June 15 Protest in Tokyo


A humorous moment tweeted by someone who went to the Prime Minister's Official Residence on June 15 evening to join the protest against Ooi Nuke Plant restart, but didn't know where exactly the action was. He was helped by a young, very polite policeman:

集合場所を探してたら「どうなさいました」って若いお巡りさんに聞かれ(明らかに官邸警護の警官)「首相官邸前で盛り上がってるのはどの辺ですか?」って尋ねたら「それなら、ぐるっとまわって向こう側です」と教えてくれた(笑)

I was looking for the meeting place for the protest but couldn't find it. A young policeman came up to me and asked "Are you alright? Can I help you in any way?" (He was clearly a policeman guarding the Official Residence.) So I asked him, "Do you know where the action is, in front of the PM Official Residence?" He kindly told me, "Oh, that. Please go around to the other side." (LOL)


Policemen in Japan have always been there, on the street corners and in the neighborhood, helping out people, keeping order, giving directions. It's good to know that is still the case.

4 comments:

m a x l i said...

I think this was a welcome opportunity for the policeman to support the demonstration without getting into trouble with his employer.

It could be interesting to next time bring a big protest banner which has two handles - therefore can only be properly hold up by two people - and to ask a friendly policeman to help out.

Alternatively one could politely ask one of the many citizens who are busily walking up and down the street past the demonstration. I am sure many of them would like to join the demonstration but are a bit shy and hesitant because they never tried any disobedience in their life. They may be happy to be asked by someone to help out.

Anonymous said...

Thank you maxli, every "outside the box" suggestion is worth exploring.
Touch, the laying on of hands, powerful connections.

Anonymous said...

Yes, and protest banners can easily be put up on lawns everywhere--after all, it's an election year and no one complains about such things. My favorite will be: "9/11 Was an Inside Job" But the police in Japan really DO support freedom of speech, very nice to hear, of course.

Anonymous said...

Hmm, he probably found the one right guy...
Reminds me of sth happening last year. Joining the SDF was once a good choice, that is, before Fuku.
A young SDF man went in front of a koban (local police sation) and showed them his naked behind.
He was fired (not fired at) but out of the SDF.
Two pleasures at the cost of one, that's a strike !

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