Business trip to Tokyo. Since a protest was happening right during my break, I decided to join in.

First, the “Palestine Land Day March.” We marched all around Shinjuku. It was quite intense feeling the eyes of the crowds in Shinjuku on us. Lots of tourists were snapping photos. I saw a person in a Bluey costume riding a glass-walled bus for a parade, with kids chasing after it with all their might. It was a beautiful, sunny day.

After marching to Shinjuku Station, the group dispersed. I headed straight to the National Diet Building. The “Otaku Anti-War Protest” was packed with people. The placards were so creative and full of humor. While some were participating passionately, many others were just chilling in the park, listening to the speeches. It was a great demonstration—a perfect mix of a laid-back vibe and high energy. Instead of a placard, I held up the cover of the book I just bought at Maruzen Junkudo: “This Is How We All Stood in Solidarity.”

By the way, I bought a solar panel and a portable power station. If it turns out I was just being over-prepared, that’s fine. In that case, I’ll just throw a “Solar Power Party.”