A protest rave unfolded in Shibuya over the weekend

Over the weekend, citizens of Japan once again took to the streets of Tokyo, using music to unite while peacefully (but not quietly) protesting their cause. This time, they were against the refusal of appointment of candidates for the Science Council of Japan.

The protest rave took place on Sunday in front of Hachiko Square in Shibuya, Tokyo and drew ravers and scholars alike, who came together, aligned through passion and power, and danced to beat of a singular proverbial drum.

DJs who played the event include Hibi Bliss, babyiqing b2b Sudden Star and more. Speakers in included lecturers from Osaka University, University of Tokyo and Chiba University, a professor from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, a member of the House of Representatives, several international political scientists, novelists, sociologists, party members and more.

In advance of the event, masks and social distancing were advised across all channels, and in footage from the protests, everyone does indeed appear to be masked.

Watch footage from the protest rave below:

In response to the demonstrations, one Netizen said: “Dance is a ritual to become a complete ruler of one's body and mind through free gestures, and it is an act of refusing all restraints, so it is endlessly “political”.

“Don't hesitate to speak up against unjustified intervention and pressure from state power", said another. “It's not always possible to continue this kind of dance in a place like this. We Dance Together, We Fight Together.”

This was not the first time that Japanese citizens have turned to music to fight for what they believe in. In October of 2019, local Japanese DJ and promoter Mars89 put on a protest rave in Tokyo with the aim of uniting the community against many societal problems and looked to have drawn a few hundred people.

[Photos via Twitter]