About this site

Welcome to our site, founded in 2004 by anti-war activists in Japan. While only a small portion of the content is currently available in English, we are actively working to expand our translations. For the full range of articles, resources, and updates, please visit the Japanese version of the site. We look forward to engaging with you and building connections across borders. 😉

About HTAHATA

This text is the “Founder’s Statement” written in 2004 by Kousuke Souka, the founder of this site. Over time, the site has evolved into a platform where diverse opinions are shared, and commitments to social movements are actively pursued, with the participation of supporters. As such, the wording from the site’s inception may not fully align with its current nature. However, the spirit embodied in this statement continues to be upheld. Alongside an introductory piece about the founder, we have chosen to include this text here. He continues to play an active role as a Community Facilitator, fostering dialogue and engagement within the platform.

Expressing progressive or democratic socialist ideas in Japan entails significant challenges. The online space is predominantly dominated by right-wing narratives, and the progressive left often faces tangible threats of persecution and risk. This statement reflects a defensive tone shaped by such circumstances. Furthermore, in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, Japan ranked 70th, placing it at the lowest position among G7 nations. We hope you will read this statement with an understanding of these difficult conditions.

‘Hata-Hata’ is a personal website run as a hobby by Kosuke Souka, a self-proclaimed (and somewhat dubious) leftist. This site serves as a companion for my journey through life and as an opportunity to reflect on myself.

Note: Apparently, I’m not a “real leftist” (whatever that means ^_^;). Someone told me, “You have no right to call yourself a leftist.” Well, okay then—I’ll stop calling myself one. Feel free to label me however you like. Actions speak louder than labels, after all! (^_^)

This site aspires to be a place where people who resonate with its content can occasionally stop by to exchange ideas during their journey through life. It also aims to offer resources and encouragement for those, like me, who might want to join demonstrations or rallies but hesitate for various reasons. I hope this website grows into an oasis or a space for rest and connection. How have you been lately? (laughs)

As a principle, this is a space that ignores “mainstream appeal” entirely. It’s a niche site where I share only what I find interesting. The goal is not to influence others’ ideologies or organize movements. Think of it as a site where an ex-leftist freely shares random thoughts. If someone finds that entertaining and reacts, that’s enough for me. I don’t think anyone has the right to complain about that.

Unless it infringes on someone’s human rights, I don’t intend to interfere with others’ values or ideas (except in the case of public officials acting in their official capacity). I am who I am. All opinions are welcome, but if you can’t grasp the idea that “justice” is always relative and temporary, or if you’re a pushy right-winger or a dogmatic Stalinist, please leave. Seriously, just go.

In essence, this is a site focused on the individuality and existential authenticity of “self.” If there’s any “product” here, it’s my life itself. From my perspective, those who write dogmatic manifestos and shout “Please share this widely!” are, well, just naive kids. I look at them with a wry smile and think, “Ah, youth.” This site is not meant to cater to such individuals or to oppose them directly.

At the end of the day, I seek to remain mentally free from all kinds of dogmas—be they theories, “shoulds,” doctrines, states, organizations, or even my own ego, pride, and fears. I aim to trust and act on my intuition and conscience. For now, that’s the guiding principle of this site.

Back when Japan was reveling in the bubble economy, I was the contrarian revolutionary wearing a helmet and getting arrested three times. Now, I aim to live by conscience above all else. Ideologies and theories are merely tools. My goal is to live a life that remains true to myself, without confusing means with ends.