{"id":373215,"date":"2006-02-22T01:22:35","date_gmt":"2006-02-21T16:22:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bund.jp\/?p=373215"},"modified":"2025-02-19T01:52:12","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T16:52:12","slug":"forced-eviction-osaka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bund.jp\/en\/373215\/","title":{"rendered":"Defying Forced Evictions: The Fight for Homeless Workers&#8217; Rights in Osaka\u2019s Utsubo Park (Jan 30, 2006)"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignwide is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\r\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"2006\/1\/30 \u5927\u962a\u3046\u3064\u307c\u516c\u5712 \u91ce\u5bbf\u52b4\u50cd\u8005\u3078\u306e\u5f37\u5236\u6392\u9664\u6297\u8b70\u95d8\u4e89\" width=\"728\" height=\"546\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TZMsCaVYn1g?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\r\n<\/div><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><br> On January 30, I uploaded footage capturing the entire forced eviction of day laborers and homeless workers carried out by the Osaka City government and have also embedded it here.<br> This outrageous act was committed by Osaka City in preparation for the &#8220;World Rose Convention,&#8221; which was being held to welcome members of the imperial family. The city forcibly and violently expelled workers who, due to poverty, were enduring harsh conditions while sleeping in the park, merely because their presence was deemed unsightly.<\/p> \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-at-least-i-want-to-leave-a-record\">At Least, I Want to Leave a Record<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b779e712&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b779e712\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo08.jpg\" alt=\"Participating in the Action to Prevent the Forced Eviction of Homeless Workers\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The security guards showed sympathy for the homeless individuals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> On the day of the eviction, far more protesters and supporters than anyone had anticipated rushed to the park upon hearing the news. Initially, it was expected that the eviction would take place swiftly, with little resistance. However, in reality, the protesters managed to push back two waves of attacks and held their ground for a staggering seven hours\u2014something the city authorities had never expected.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Emphasis was placed on &#8220;non-violence and non-compliance,&#8221; and repeated warnings were given, urging participants not to resort to violence under any circumstances. I also want to highlight that among the city officials and security guards sent to carry out the eviction, some listened to the desperate pleas of the homeless workers with pained expressions, secretly nodding in understanding. Some were even seen shedding tears. As shown in the footage, the private security guards hired by Osaka City were essentially used as human shields for the city officials\u2014it was truly pitiful.<\/p> \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\r\n<p> On the day of the forced eviction, as expected, many conscientious citizens protested and resisted, leading to extensive media coverage. However, unfortunately, some reports were misleading. <br> The media heavily reported on the injuries sustained by city officials, but little attention was given to the fact that three supporters required emergency transport (one suffering a serious injury that required a month to heal) and many others sustained minor injuries. One person was also arrested amidst the violent repression. Furthermore, Osaka City preemptively dismantled and blocked tents that supporters had set up in other parks as alternative shelters for the evicted individuals, effectively stripping them of any refuge\u2014akin to sinking a lifeboat. Much like how the city expelled TV cameras to suppress fair reporting, these acts of inhumanity remain largely unknown. <\/p> \r\n<cite> (From &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/kamapat.seesaa.net\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kamapat Blog<\/a>&#8220;) <\/cite><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> What truly happened during the eviction? Were the supporters violent? I strongly urge you to watch the video and judge for yourself.<\/p> \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Many people have already written reports about this incident in various places, and I hesitated to add another one. However, while contemplating whether to write, I missed the opportunity to document last year\u2019s &#8220;11\/11 Struggle&#8221; as well. Therefore, I want to take this moment to write down my own recollections before they fade.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-heading-to-the-site-in-extreme-tense\">Heading to the Site in Extreme Tension<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> My job requires me to work 14 to 18 hours from midday until the following morning. That day, after finishing my shift, I didn&#8217;t sleep and took the first train straight to the site.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> The information I had at the time suggested that the park would be sealed off from midnight the night before, and anyone remaining inside could face arrest. The eviction was expected to begin at dawn and be completed before the city hall opened. I was also told that it would likely be difficult to approach the park even under the guise of a bystander and that the authorities would deploy an overwhelming number of personnel, making any meaningful resistance nearly impossible.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo01.jpg\" alt=\"Participating in the Action to Prevent the Forced Eviction of Homeless Workers\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In front of the hastily built &#8220;Solidarity Hut&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Hearing all of this, I have to admit\u2014I was scared. But I told myself, &#8220;I&#8217;m afraid of being arrested, but if I don&#8217;t go, I&#8217;ll regret it.&#8221;<\/p> \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> As someone with a family, I couldn&#8217;t afford to get arrested. Even on the train, despite having slept only three hours in the past 48 hours, my body was exhausted, but my nerves kept me wide awake. I had decided that while I couldn&#8217;t directly participate in the &#8220;resistance action&#8221; due to the high risk of arrest, I would at least be there to witness and document Osaka City&#8217;s inhumane actions through &#8220;monitoring action.&#8221;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> The eviction was scheduled to take place at two locations: Osaka Castle Park and Utsubo Park. After checking the map and considering my options, I decided to head to Utsubo Park, as I could reach it faster. Based on prior information, I knew that if I didn&#8217;t get there quickly, the eviction might already be over.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> My initial estimate was that around 30 people would still be in the park, and the eviction would be completed in less than 30 minutes. I assumed Osaka City thought the same. However, what I encountered on-site completely defied all prior expectations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-before-7-am-made-it-in-time-citys-eviction-force-arrives\">Before 7 AM: &#8220;Made it in time!&#8221; City\u2019s Eviction Force Arrives<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Around 6:45 AM, when I arrived at Utsubo Park, it was indeed fenced off and sealed. Police vehicles were packed around the perimeter, and plainclothes officers were pouring in.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> As I cautiously approached the fence, I spotted homeless workers and their supporters sitting in the distance. I wondered if there was a way to reach them, but I knew that attempting to enter the park could lead to immediate arrest. Just then, a news camera crew passed by. I thought, &#8220;If I follow them, maybe I can get in.&#8221;<\/p> \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> In the end, my plan worked. Though I clearly didn\u2019t look like a reporter in my shabby clothes, there was one unblocked gate, and I managed to slip in unnoticed alongside the press. Shortly after, the entrance was sealed off again\u2014I had barely made it inside.<\/p> \r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b779f874&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b779f874\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo02.jpg\" alt=\"Around 200 supporters, about 70 gathered in front of the solidarity hut\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Around 200 supporters, about 70 gathered in front of the Solidarity Hut<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Once inside, I was shocked. There weren\u2019t just 30 people\u2014far from it. Near the hastily built &#8220;Solidarity Hut&#8221; tent closest to the park\u2019s main road entrance, there were at least 100 people. Scattered throughout the park, including in front of other tents, were supporters and homeless workers, bringing the total close to 200.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> If these 200 people had actually engaged in &#8220;violent resistance,&#8221; it would have been absolute chaos. As someone with experience, I knew that. However, the fact that such an escalation did not happen made it clear that this was not a &#8220;violent&#8221; gathering\u2014whether viewed positively or negatively.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b779fc4a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b779fc4a\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo03.jpg\" alt=\"Eviction force (security guards) hired by Osaka City\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Eviction force (security guards) hired by Osaka City<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Not knowing anyone at the scene, I was unsure what to do. I decided to blend in with the reporters in front of the Solidarity Hut and prepare my camera for &#8220;monitoring action.&#8221; Meanwhile, homeless workers and day laborers who had rushed in to support them were chanting slogans and rallying in front of the hut.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Then, a massive wave of security guards hired by Osaka City started advancing in perfect formation. More and more kept coming\u2014endlessly! How many were there?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a0035&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a0035\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo04.jpg\" alt=\"A total eviction force of 600 people\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A total eviction force of 600 people<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Additionally, behind the security guards, squads of Osaka City officials in white helmets, numbering around 30 to 50 per unit, were standing by in various locations. According to reports, the total number of personnel mobilized with taxpayer money to evict just a few homeless workers was between 600 and 650. On top of that, a large group of plainclothes detectives and riot police had also gathered. Within moments, the park was completely overrun by uniforms.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\r\n<p> From here, I could clearly see the officials entering. From multiple entry points, they marched in neat rows, looking like an Olympic parade in a cheap, artificial setting. They kept coming and then suddenly stopped, all wearing clean uniforms, lined up like the Great Wall of China. (\u2026omission\u2026) I thought, &#8220;This is a stage.&#8221; <br> I took a deep breath and shouted, unexpectedly loud. Standing in front of the motionless &#8220;Great Wall&#8221; of officials, I decided to sing a song. <br> &#8220;Santa Lucia&#8221; <br> When it comes to belting out a song, Neapolitan folk songs are the best. (\u2026omission\u2026) The simplest form of resistance is to raise your voice. The actual words don\u2019t matter\u2014whether it\u2019s &#8216;This is terrible!&#8217; or &#8216;Stop!&#8217; or anything else. I could sing, but in that moment, I couldn\u2019t shout.<\/p>\r\n<cite> (<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/kyototto.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kyototto Publishing<\/a>: Ky\u014dhei Ogawa) <\/cite><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a0479&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a0479\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo05.jpg\" alt=\"Seeing the long rows of the city's eviction force sends chills down my spine\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Seeing the long rows of the eviction force sends chills down my spine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Ah, there it is\u2014someone belting out &#8220;Santaaa Luuuuciaaa!!&#8221; at the top of their lungs! You can even hear it in my video. Honestly, I had no idea what the intent behind it was (laughs). But I could tell it was a form of protest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> In any case, I ran around trying to capture everything on camera. I thought, &#8220;As long as cameras are rolling, city officials and guards won\u2019t go too far. And if they do, I\u2019ll put it all online!&#8221; That was the least I could do\u2014it became my mission.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-am-mass-eviction-begins-injuries-reported\">8 AM: Mass Eviction Begins! Injuries Reported<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> The eviction began at 8 AM. I was in front of the Solidarity Hut when around 100 to 150 people pushed forward. The security guards surrounded the area to block movement, while city officials forcefully advanced.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a08c5&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a08c5\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo06.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">8 AM: Eviction begins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> At the time, I didn&#8217;t realize it, but across the park, each tent was also being forcibly cleared out by groups of about 100 people. Ky\u014dhei Ogawa, who was at another tent, had already been evicted by this point\u2014and ironically, ended up making it to work on time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> One thing that caught my attention was that the security guards hesitated to step on the artificial roses that the homeless workers had stayed up all night making.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a0c6a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a0c6a\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo07.jpg\" alt=\"Security guards hesitating to step on roses made by the homeless\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Security guards hesitating to step on roses made by the homeless<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> These artificial roses were both a strong act of irony\u2014symbolizing that they were being evicted because the &#8220;Rose Convention&#8221; deemed their presence unsightly\u2014and a message of peace, stating, &#8220;We have no intention of fighting.&#8221;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> If it had been riot police, they wouldn\u2019t have hesitated at all. After all, in Sanrizuka, riot police trampled farmers\u2019 fields, destroyed crops just before harvest, and scattered dried straw onto muddy rice paddies without a second thought.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Another thing that struck me was how many city officials were hiding behind the security guards\u2014essentially using them as a &#8220;human shield&#8221; between themselves and the homeless workers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a1071&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a1071\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo12.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka city officials using security guards as shields while attacking homeless people\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Osaka city officials using security guards as shields while attacking homeless people<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Meanwhile, the city officials, standing safely behind the guards, kept pushing forward aggressively. They took turns going on breaks, smoking cigarettes, and eating snacks, while the security guards remained standing for hours, unable to drink or eat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> At one point, I saw a city official laughing and pointing at a handmade doll on the ground that supporters had made as a parody of the park department chief. He looked like he was about to step on it, but when he noticed me watching, he stopped (laughs). The Osaka city officials were acting quite disgracefully, while the security guards, in contrast, seemed pitiful.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a13d2&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a13d2\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo08.jpg\" alt=\"Many security guards were also precarious workers\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Many security guards were also precarious workers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> After this first round of evictions, nearly everyone except those in front of the Solidarity Hut had been forced out of the park.<br> Meanwhile, the city&#8217;s eviction force, consisting of about 150 to 200 young men, launched an assault on the hut. They were met by fewer than 100 homeless workers and supporters, many of whom were women and elderly people.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> The difference in mindset was striking. The eviction force was a &#8220;mercenary army&#8221; relying on sheer numbers, while the homeless workers and their supporters were a &#8220;citizen militia&#8221; prepared to be arrested. For a while, both sides were locked in an even struggle. Then suddenly, a city-hired security guard, irritated, shoved a male supporter, who fell backward and hit the back of his head hard on the sharp edge of a concrete step. He appeared to suffer a concussion, unable to speak for a while as he lay collapsed in the middle of the chaotic crowd.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a1736&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a1736\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo09.jpg\" alt=\"Injured person who fell and hit his head\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Injured person who fell and hit his head<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> An ambulance was immediately called, but the security guards just stood there, blankly staring down at the injured man, unsure of what to do.<br> &#8220;Get the injured out!&#8221; &#8220;Open the blockade!&#8221; &#8220;Let the ambulance through!&#8221; People started shouting, but the guards remained motionless. Finally, the homeless workers\u2019 frustration exploded. &#8220;Get out of the way!&#8221; Some people physically pushed through the guards to clear a path for the injured man.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a1a5b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a1a5b\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo10.jpg\" alt=\"Physically pushing to clear a path for the ambulance\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Physically pushing to clear a path for the ambulance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> In the end, the city relented and (finally) allowed the ambulance to enter the park. The injured person was carried away to the hospital.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-am-second-eviction-attempt-fails-standoff-ensues\">10 AM: Second Eviction Attempt Fails, Standoff Ensues<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Amid the chaos, an unspoken ceasefire naturally emerged. However, around 10 AM, the city restarted its eviction efforts, with their numbers increasing steadily.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a1e2b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a1e2b\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo11.jpg\" alt=\"10 AM: City reinforcements arrive, eviction resumes\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">10 AM: City reinforcements arrive, eviction resumes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> A TV announcer standing near me shouted into the microphone, <strong>\u201cThey\u2019re pouring in!\u201d<\/strong> Yet, the desperate solidarity of the homeless workers and their supporters, whose very survival was at stake, held firm. At times, they even pushed back, breaking the formation of the security guards.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> After hours of struggle, by late morning, the eviction forces were forced to retreat. The second eviction attempt had been completely thwarted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> At the scene, the homeless workers and their supporters surrounded the Solidarity Hut, while city officials and security guards encircled them. Beyond this, more citizens, including people like me engaged in \u201cmonitoring activities,\u201d began to gather in increasing numbers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> By this time, the city\u2019s ability to maintain control over the park was beginning to falter, and people were sneaking into the park from various points. The growing crowd merged with the mass media cameras, effectively &#8220;encircling&#8221; the city\u2019s eviction forces in reverse.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> With this &#8220;triple-layered&#8221; situation, the scene had reached a complete standoff. Among the media, many Western journalists were present. Musicians had also joined, playing powerful drum performances. Westerners seemed to particularly enjoy such performances, and many of the foreign reporters made sure to interview the musicians.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a223e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a223e\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo13.jpg\" alt=\"Standoff between the city and supporters\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Standoff between the city and supporters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> A few Western tourists were also present, looking around as if wondering, &#8220;What on earth is going on?&#8221; When they learned that the city was attempting to forcibly evict homeless individuals who lived in the park and that citizens were protesting in solidarity, they looked visibly shocked. Some glared angrily at the city officials, and one elderly woman even walked right up to the Solidarity Hut, appearing as if she was about to sit in protest herself.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> The city\u2019s eviction forces were growing increasingly isolated and trapped, surrounded by rising public outrage. To make matters worse for them, a light rain began to fall, dampening their morale even further as they stood in the rain for hours.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Around 11 AM, the homeless workers used a microphone to propose a \u201clunch break ceasefire\u201d and simultaneously made a formal request: <strong>\u201cWe do not wish for this chaos. Stop the forced eviction, and let\u2019s sit down at the negotiation table. Let\u2019s resolve this through dialogue.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Supporters were also reminded repeatedly, \u201cRemain nonviolent. No matter how much we are provoked, do not retaliate.\u201d At this very moment, unbeknownst to us, senior city officials were holding a press conference at City Hall. One of them reportedly stated, <strong>\u201cThe current situation is beyond what we had expected. We are currently reviewing how to proceed.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Whether or not the homeless workers fully realized it, at this point, they had temporarily put Osaka City in a position where it was forced to react to them. The city never anticipated that the homeless community would receive this much public support (even I was surprised). The deadlock on the ground was a direct reflection of the city&#8217;s growing confusion. This was the moment when Osaka City should have halted the forced eviction and responded to the call for negotiations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> During this prolonged standoff, I took a brief moment to go to the restroom. What I found amusing was that inside, city officials, security guards, homeless individuals, and supporters were all patiently waiting in the same line, side by side. Everyone was well-behaved, with supporters and security guards even politely letting each other go first. It was a rare sight in Osaka, known for its rowdy reputation (laughs).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> It was as if basic human needs had created a temporary truce. The area around the restrooms felt like a neutral zone, marked by an invisible Red Cross. This was a scene that could never have happened during the Sanrizuka protests against the riot police.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-noon-city-finally-begins-destroying-tents\">Noon: City Finally Begins Destroying Tents<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Around noon, as tensions continued, I noticed movement on the other side of the park, across the rose garden from the Solidarity Hut. Suddenly, I heard screams and shouts of outrage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a2768&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a2768\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo14.jpg\" alt=\"A tent isolated on the opposite side of the park was destroyed\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tent isolated on the opposite side of the park was destroyed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> It was too far to see what was happening, so I grabbed my camera and ran. When I arrived, panting for breath, I saw around 40 city officials destroying a tent that had been quietly standing in the woods. A group of plainclothes public security officers were giving instructions to the city workers. About 20 supporters stood outside the fence, desperately shouting, \u201cStop it!\u201d in voices that sounded like screams.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Since Osaka City had failed to dismantle the Solidarity Hut\u2019s resistance, they had clearly &#8220;considered their options&#8221; and decided to target the abandoned tents first\u2014ones that had been left empty after the early morning evictions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> A TV reporter filming the scene narrated in a grave voice: <strong>\u201cRight now, city officials are clearing away the tents of the homeless, treating them as &#8216;garbage.&#8217; There is nothing left.\u201d<\/strong> Indeed, the city workers were utterly ruthless in their destruction. They hammered apart the wooden flooring with crowbars, ripped apart the blue tarps that served as walls, and stomped on bedding with their dirty boots, piling everything up along with wood scraps and mud. The place that had been a home until yesterday was now reduced to a heap of waste. Nothing usable remained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a2b07&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a2b07\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo15.jpg\" alt=\"Tent completely destroyed. Osaka City falsely claims it was 'kept for safekeeping.'\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:600px;height:300px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tent completely destroyed. Osaka City falsely claims it was &#8220;kept for safekeeping.&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> In response to this, Osaka City shamelessly announced: <strong>\u201cWe have removed and stored abandoned items so that they can be returned to their owners at any time.\u201d<\/strong> When I later saw this statement from the city, I was filled with a boiling rage so intense that I felt my blood reverse course. I deeply regretted not screaming at them and protesting harder at that moment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> \u201cRemoved and stored\u201d? \u201cReturned to the owners\u201d? Are you kidding me?! Do you really think it was that gentle? The city workers, under the orders of public security police, didn\u2019t just remove things\u2014they destroyed them with hatred, knowing full well that no one could stop them! <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> <strong>Osaka City should be honest and say, \u2018We thoroughly destroyed the tents of these vagrants to ensure they can never use them again. That should teach them a lesson.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Stripping away all their pretense of &#8220;storage&#8221; and &#8220;return,&#8221; this act of pure destruction and violence also revealed the city\u2019s desperation and frustration. They had completely misjudged the level of public sympathy and support for the homeless, leaving them stuck in a stalemate they couldn&#8217;t escape.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> While city officials took turns resting, smoking, and eating, the security guards\u2014used as &#8220;human shields&#8221;\u2014were nearing their physical and mental limits. I, too, was parched and starving. Since early morning, I had eaten nothing but a single convenience store rice ball and an energy drink to fight off sleep. Hunger wasn\u2019t too bad, but the thirst was unbearable.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> My self-imposed &#8220;water deprivation&#8221; at least meant I hadn\u2019t needed to use the restroom much. But after filming the destruction of the tents, I found myself wandering around in a daze, searching for a drinking fountain. Though I still wasn\u2019t sleepy\u2014adrenaline kept me awake\u2014after nearly 48 hours without rest, exhaustion was setting in. I could have asked to leave and likely would have been allowed out, but I wasn\u2019t confident that I\u2019d be able to sneak back into the park once outside. In the end, I gave up and told myself: &#8220;Complaining about this is pathetic compared to what the homeless workers endure!&#8221; Resolving to stay strong, I returned to the front of the Solidarity Hut.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-city-workers-hang-their-heads-in-shame-as-the-homeless-workers-speak\">City Workers Hang Their Heads in Shame as the Homeless Workers Speak<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a2f97&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a2f97\" class=\"wp-block-image alignwide wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo17.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka city workers bowing their heads as homeless workers speak\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Osaka city workers bowing their heads as homeless workers speak<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"stk-mt_s\"> When I returned to the Solidarity Hut, I found that homeless workers from Osaka Castle Park\u2014where the city had \u201ccompleted\u201d its planned morning evictions and destruction\u2014had joined us. Since there were too few supporters available to resist at Osaka Castle Park, the tents there had been quickly demolished. Looking back, I wondered if I should have gone there instead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Additionally, news arrived that temporary tents, which had been set up at \u014cgimachi Park by fellow homeless workers to provide shelter for those evicted today, had been destroyed in advance\u2014without any official procedures or warnings. The city had torn them down as if it were merely a side task. It was nothing short of <strong>&#8220;sinking the lifeboats before torpedoing the main ship&#8221;<\/strong>\u2014a truly inhumane act.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> A day laborer, enraged over the destruction of the Osaka Castle Park tents, grabbed a microphone and began a fiery protest speech directed at the Osaka city workers. His voice shook with anger.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a332b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a332b\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo16.jpg\" alt=\"A day laborer makes an impassioned plea to Osaka city workers\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A day laborer makes an impassioned plea to Osaka city workers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">\u201cHomeless workers and city workers are both laborers! Why won\u2019t you stand in solidarity with us?\u201d <br><br> \u201cThe dogs that lived with us in the park weren\u2019t evicted. Are you saying we\u2019re worth less than dogs?\u201d <br><br> \u201cDestroying a tent is the same as telling a homeless person to die! No one can accept that!\u201d <br> \u201cCan you go home today and proudly tell your children, \u2018I tore down a homeless person\u2019s tent and drove them out\u2019? You can\u2019t, can you? Then you shouldn\u2019t be doing it!\u201d <br><br> \u201cThe shelters have no privacy! The beds have no pillows! They\u2019re full of lice! <strong>Are homeless people supposed to just accept that? Do you think we deserve nothing better just because we\u2019re homeless? Isn\u2019t that discrimination?<\/strong>\u201d <br><br> \u201cThe city keeps building these shelters that no one wants! But the ones running them are making money. Shelter directors earn 10 million yen a year! Let me say it straight\u2014<strong>you\u2019re all profiting off the homeless!<\/strong> Seventy percent of the budget goes to facilities, while maybe\u2014just maybe\u2014thirty percent actually reaches us.\u201d <br><br> \u201cIn 1975, Osaka City also tried to evict the homeless. But back then, your own labor union\u2019s parks department opposed it and fought for us. Have you all changed? No! You still have workers\u2019 souls! If you do, then turn around and leave! <strong>Let\u2019s talk this out.<\/strong> We\u2019re ready to negotiate instead of fighting!\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> As his speech continued, the city workers lowered their heads, their faces tense with visible discomfort. When the speaker gently said, \u201cThere are a lot of kind-looking people here. Some of you must want to leave, don\u2019t you?\u201d I saw some of the workers nod unconsciously.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"is-style-default\"> According to an article in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.jimmin.com\/\">People\u2019s News<\/a>, outside the park, evicted homeless workers were engaging city workers in conversation at the barricaded entrance. When asked, \u201cWhich union are you from?\u201d a city worker replied, \u201c<a href=\"http:\/\/www.jichiro.gr.jp\/\">Jichir\u014d<\/a>. Everyone here is with Jichir\u014d.\u201d A supporter then said, \u201cIf this is what you\u2019re doing, Jichir\u014d\u2019s reputation is going down the drain.\u201d The city worker hung his head and muttered, \u201cYeah&#8230; you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-12-30-pm-unbelievable-osaka-city-begins-by-removing-the-media\">12:30 PM: Unbelievable! Osaka City Begins by Removing the Media<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Around 12:30 PM, things finally started moving. It seemed Osaka City had made up its mind\u2014to take the worst possible course of action. I suspected this was influenced by the Osaka Prefectural Police\u2019s Public Security Bureau as well. From a distance, I could see the public security officers constantly consulting with city executives, giving them instructions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> A large number of city officials who had been stationed elsewhere were suddenly gathered in front of the Solidarity Hut. There was a noticeable difference in atmosphere between the workers who had been there earlier, who had listened to the homeless workers\u2019 speeches, and those who had just arrived. The earlier group looked utterly dejected, their morale crushed. But the newcomers seemed tense and agitated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> I thought this was it\u2014the final all-out eviction. I turned to a security guard standing nearby and said, \u201cIt\u2019s almost over now. Let\u2019s make sure we don\u2019t get hurt.\u201d The guard smiled and nodded, \u201cYes.\u201d At that moment, I felt it\u2014this person was also a worker, not part of the &#8220;authorities&#8221; like the riot police.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Why must workers be forced to fight each other like this? But today, everyone had fought so hard. We had truly made it this far. As I thought about it, tears welled up in my eyes. I quickly wiped them away before the security guard could see.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo18.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka City begins by removing the media (especially television reporters)\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Osaka City begins by removing the media (especially television reporters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> But instead of launching an immediate attack, the city\u2019s first move shocked us all. Their top priority was not evicting the homeless workers\u2014it was removing the media, particularly the television crews!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> City workers swarmed the journalists who had been surrounding them and systematically pulled them down from their step ladders, dragging them one by one out of the park or to distant locations away from the scene. Shouts of outrage erupted from the homeless workers and their supporters. My earlier sentimental mood was immediately replaced with rage. My hands shook as I continued filming.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> It was exactly the same as what the authorities had done during forced evictions in Sanrizuka! Exactly the same as what the U.S. military was doing in Iraq! There was no way city officials had come up with this strategy on their own\u2014it was clear that the public security police had trained them for this. The journalists, especially the cameramen, hesitated and tried to resist briefly, but in the end, they reluctantly backed down.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Supporters quickly formed a human shield to protect the remaining journalists inside the encirclement. But when I looked closely at the press armbands, I realized something ironic\u2014the reporters we were desperately trying to protect were from <i>Sankei Shimbun<\/i>, a conservative newspaper notorious for publishing defamatory articles about homeless workers and their supporters. I couldn\u2019t help but laugh bitterly. It was clear that <i>Sankei<\/i> reporters were being spared by the city and public security police, while others were being forcefully removed. And yet, these <i>Sankei<\/i> reporters, protected by the very people they had smeared, were smiling like they were enjoying the whole scene.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo21.jpg\" alt=\"Supporters form a human shield to protect journalists\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Supporters form a human shield to protect journalists<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> The city\u2019s next move was to remove the \u201cmonitoring activists\u201d who were standing outside the encirclement, watching and documenting the eviction. Teams of 10 to 20 city workers would surround each activist and forcibly drag them out of the park.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Unlike the journalists, the activists put up much stronger resistance. However, since the homeless workers had repeatedly announced over the microphone, \u201cDo not fight back! Remain strictly nonviolent!\u201d everyone adhered to that principle. As a result, despite struggling, they were ultimately lifted up and carried away one by one. Even those standing alone inside the encirclement were suddenly grabbed and dragged out the moment they let their guard down. The city\u2019s strategy was clear\u2014reduce the number of witnesses as much as possible before moving in for the final eviction.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Many of the monitoring activists holding cameras were women. The ones assigned to remove them were the city\u2019s female security guards.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a3b9c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a3b9c\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo20.jpg\" alt=\"The eerie, all-black-clad female eviction squad\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The eerie, all-black-clad female eviction squad<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> They wore black shoes, black stockings, black skirts, and black coats\u2014completely dressed in black. Following orders from city officials, groups of these black-clad women would silently and expressionlessly surround a single female activist, then wordlessly drag her away.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a3ecb&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a3ecb\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo19.jpg\" alt=\"Foreign tourists watching over the homeless are forcibly removed by the eerie female squad\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Foreign tourists watching over the homeless are forcibly removed by the eerie female squad<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> <strong>It was terrifying.<\/strong> It felt like a scene straight out of a dystopian sci-fi novel. The foreign female tourist I had mentioned earlier\u2014who had been watching over the homeless workers\u2014was also dragged away by them. But impressively, she fought back harder than most of the journalists, trying to break free from the black-clad enforcers. Much respect to her!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stay-or-leave-the-final-decision\">Stay or Leave? The Final Decision<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> The Solidarity Hut had been stripped bare. The media cameras had been pushed far away. Now, only about 50 people remained. At this moment, each of us faced a decision. We were surrounded by hundreds, possibly more, of city officials and security personnel. There was no chance of winning. If we stayed, we risked arrest. Would we leave voluntarily, or would we stand our ground?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> But in reality, leaving was no longer an option for anyone still there. Some clenched their teeth in determination. Others, linked arm-in-arm, exchanged glances and nodded with quiet smiles. Everyone had an incredible look on their faces\u2014the look of true human dignity. Seeing this, tears welled up in my eyes again.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> I realized there was no middle ground left for me either. If I remained inside the encirclement, I would inevitably face the upcoming final attack and become part of the resistance. If I tried to stay outside and monitor, I would be immediately surrounded and expelled from the park.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> At this point, could I really just walk away? <strong>&#8220;I would regret it forever. In that case, there&#8217;s only one choice.&#8221;<\/strong> I had already made arrangements with a few online friends in case &#8220;something happened.&#8221; My family and workplace would manage somehow. I decided to rely on them and let them bear some of the burden.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> At that moment, a woman picked up a microphone and began singing the <strong>May Day Song<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Listen, workers of the world, the May Day call resounds.<br>\r\n   Marching forward, step by step, towards a future we create.<br><br>\r\n   Abandon your servitude, awaken to your worth.<br>\r\n   One day of striking work exposes society\u2019s deceit.<br><br>\r\n   At the head of our marching ranks, the red flag waves high.<br>\r\n   Defend it, workers of May Day! Defend it, workers of May Day! <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Everyone quietly sang along. And in true Osaka fashion, right after, we burst into a loud chorus of &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/_hTUgg4oTbc\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rokko Oroshi<\/a>&#8220;\u2014the Hanshin Tigers&#8217; fight song. And, of course, this one was much louder because everyone knew the lyrics better (laughs).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-final-attack-desperate-resistance\">The Final Attack, Desperate Resistance<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> And then, before we knew it, the final attack began! The security guards charged at us all at once, shouting as they rushed forward. Unlike the previous attacks, there was no hesitation. This was their third time\u2014no doubt they had reached their limits too. I could understand their frustration, but still&#8230;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a4484&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a4484\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo22.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka city workers using security guards as shields to launch an all-out assault\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Osaka city workers using security guards as shields to launch an all-out assault<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> A security guard shoved me hard, pushing me back against the crowd. From there, everything became a blur. I was struggling just to stay on my feet. I tried not to be pushed back, but there were simply too many of them. I had no idea what was happening beyond my own desperate resistance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> At some point, I lost my balance and fell. Falling in this kind of chaos was extremely dangerous. I frantically tried to get back up, and just as I struggled to rise, someone grabbed the back of my clothes and pulled me to my feet. It was an elderly homeless worker, his eyes filled with tears as he stared into the faces of the city officials, desperately pleading with them. Later, I found out from <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.jimmin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">People\u2019s News<\/a> that he was one of the people whose tent had been destroyed that day.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> It was only at this moment that I realized there were not only a large number of city workers in front of the tent but also a staggering number behind it. As the final frame was about to collapse, I saw someone clinging desperately to it. I instinctively grabbed the frame, trying to prevent them from getting injured, though in the end, I doubt I was of much help.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Seeing me do this, the city workers must have assumed I was also trying to interfere with the demolition. Suddenly, a sharp, pounding pain struck my left leg\u2014twice. Someone was kicking me. The only people on my left side were city workers, so it had to be one of them. But in the chaos, I had no chance to see their face.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a4860&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a4860\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo23.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka city workers destroying the tent\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Osaka city workers destroying the tent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Many others were injured. I heard someone shout, \u201cThere\u2019s a serious injury, pull back!\u201d But no matter how much we shouted, the city forces did not stop their attack. Enraged voices screamed, &#8220;Fall back!&#8221; but they continued pushing. <strong>Later, I learned that one of the injured had suffered a broken leg.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> One city worker was shouting, &#8220;It\u2019s dangerous! Be careful, you\u2019ll get hurt!&#8221; as he tried to pull supporters away. I clenched my teeth against the pain of the kicks I had taken and thought, &#8220;How dare you say that?!&#8221; But looking back, I realize he had only been trying to separate people\u2014not actively destroying the tent. Maybe he was conflicted too.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Eventually, the final defense collapsed. The tent was completely destroyed. A homeless worker shouted, &#8220;Everyone, to prevent further injuries, let\u2019s pull back!&#8221; We quickly formed a line, ensuring we wouldn\u2019t be separated, and slipped out through a gap in the security guard formation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo24.jpg\" alt=\"Re-entering the park in protest\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Re-entering the park in protest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> The guards were visibly startled by our sheer determination. We marched through the park in a demonstration. As we approached a distant exit, the city workers who had been blocking the gate hurriedly opened it for us. To them, &#8220;outside the park&#8221; was no longer their concern.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> We continued demonstrating along the park&#8217;s perimeter. At another entrance, we reunited with those who had been evicted earlier, swelling our numbers. Then, in one swift move, we charged back into the park for a second demonstration.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo25.jpg\" alt=\"Public security police attempting to arrest participants\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Public security police attempting to arrest participants<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> But this time, the real riot police were blocking the road. We moved into a nearby children\u2019s park, only to hear that, in the chaos, public security police had suddenly arrested one of our participants.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-we-will-never-forget-this-day\">We Will Never Forget This Day!<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> At the children&#8217;s park, about 200 people had gathered, including those who had been evicted earlier and others from Osaka Castle Park. Some had already gone home, so this was an unexpectedly large number for everyone involved.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a4f34&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a4f34\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo26.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">200 people remained until the end<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Looking at my watch, it was already 2 PM. Many had thought, &#8220;We will be evicted in no time,&#8221; or &#8220;Even if we take the first train, we might not make it in time to stop the eviction.&#8221; But look at what happened! The eviction team started arriving at 7 AM, and yet we resisted for seven hours straight\u2014six hours after the actual eviction process began.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> The city of Osaka had planned to finish everything by noon. In a television interview, an official who appeared to be in charge of the operation stated with a stern (or perhaps dejected?) face, <strong>&#8220;This was an unexpected situation.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> After repeating protest chants for a while, we decided to march toward Osaka City Hall to continue our protest. At this point, I cautiously rolled up my pant leg and saw that my left leg was in pretty bad shape. Well, it&#8217;s nothing compared to the more serious injuries others suffered, but it still looked quite severe. A foreign woman, who seemed to be from a Nordic country, approached me and, in broken Japanese, asked with concern, <strong>&#8220;Daijoubu? (Are you okay?) Who did this?&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea2b77a52de&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea2b77a52de\" class=\"aligncenter is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo27.jpg\" alt=\"I was also injured after being kicked\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I was also injured after being kicked<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> After that, we started walking toward City Hall in small groups. I joined them because I couldn&#8217;t just go home like this. Since I didn&#8217;t know anyone there, I simply followed along. But even so, I shouted protest chants with all my strength. Did our voices reach Mayor Seki, known as the &#8220;Mini Koizumi&#8221;?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/bund.jp\/img\/utubo\/utubo28.jpg\" alt=\"Protesting at Osaka City Hall\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Protesting at Osaka City Hall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> An email from a reader recently mentioned the following: <strong>&#8220;A close aide to the mayor of Osaka said earlier this week, &#8216;Mayor Seki is also paying attention to this issue.&#8217; As long as there is justified resistance, even those in power\u2014if they have any conscience left\u2014will be forced to feel a sense of guilt.&#8221;<\/strong> Are they really feeling guilty? If so, that would be good. But above all, I hope they never do something like this again.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> At the entrance of City Hall, city officials were forming a picket line. Many of them looked genuinely troubled, with furrowed brows and worried expressions. I could sense that some of them were thinking, <strong>&#8220;I really don\u2019t want to be doing this.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Toward the end of the protest, someone announced, <strong>&#8220;We will now move to \u014cgimachi Park.&#8221;<\/strong> The evicted individuals were supposed to take temporary shelter at tents set up in \u014cgimachi Park. However, Osaka City had already destroyed that temporary shelter in advance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> People began moving to \u014cgimachi Park, some by train, others in cars with their friends or acquaintances. I, on the other hand, was left standing alone. I hesitated for a moment, but I was completely exhausted by this point, so I decided to go home.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> By the time I got home, it was already evening. I collapsed onto my bed, still wearing my clothes, and slept until the following afternoon. But I am truly fortunate\u2014I have a home where I can sleep in peace. The people who were evicted that day, however, are now scattered, separated from each other.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> Despite this, the homeless residents of Utsubo Park managed to stay in touch and issued a statement after the eviction. It turns out they had formed a self-governing association while living in the park. In their <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/kamapat.seesaa.net\/article\/12868180.html\" target=\"_blank\">statement<\/a>, they expressed gratitude to the local residents who had allowed them to stay in the park and offered warm support. They also wrote, &#8220;We are sorry for causing a disturbance.&#8221; Reading this brought me to tears once again.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\r\n<p> We deeply appreciate the support we have received from the local community and the shopping district. People have given us food, aluminum cans, and old newspapers. One person even brought us clothes, saying, &#8220;These belonged to my late husband\u2014please wear them.&#8221; (People like this never sought attention for their kindness, but they understood us and supported us.) We still feel the warmth and compassion that remains in Japanese society. Thank you.<br> The cherry blossoms in Utsubo Park are beautiful. And the people who gather to view them sit in neat rows, drinking, enjoying delicious food, and sharing meals with us, the homeless, with kindness and generosity. Under the cherry blossoms, it felt as if we were all part of the same moment, blending together as one. But now, even the cherry trees are fenced off, shutting people out.<\/p>\r\n<cite> \uff08From the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/kamapat.seesaa.net\/article\/12868180.html\" target=\"_blank\">Utsubo Park Self-Governance Association Statement<\/a>\uff09 <\/cite><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p> At the very least, I want to remember this day for the rest of my life and hold it in my heart.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-reference-links\">Reference Links<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>\u25c7 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/kamapat.seesaa.net\/article\/12647538.html\" target=\"_blank\">Without an Umbrella, Without a Destination<\/a> (KamaPat Blog)<br>\u25c7 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/page.freett.com\/kamapat\/utsubo_subrogation_1\/utsubo_subrogation1.html\" target=\"_blank\">Photos of the Utsubo Eviction<\/a> (KamaPat Blog)<br>\u25c7 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/kyototto.blog10.fc2.com\/blog-entry-27.html\" target=\"_blank\">30th<\/a> (Kyototto Publishing Blog)<br>\u25c7 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/d.hatena.ne.jp\/homeless758\/20060130\" target=\"_blank\">Efforts to Stop Forced Evictions at Utsubo and Osaka Castle<\/a> (Nichinichi Kore Tansei)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>\u25c7 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/rounin40.cocolog-nifty.com\/attenborow\/2006\/01\/post_864b.html\" target=\"_blank\">On the Issue of Homelessness<\/a> (Attenborough)<br>\u25c7 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/ichyamada.jugem.cc\/?eid=293\" target=\"_blank\">Gestapo Interrogators and Osaka City Officials<\/a> (Tsubuyaki Techo)<br>\u25c7 <a href=\"http:\/\/d.hatena.ne.jp\/sugitasyunsuke\/20060203\/p1\">[Miscellaneous][Precarious Employment][Disability Welfare][Dignified Death] Several Points<\/a> (A Small-Scale Daily Life of a Helper)<br>\u25c7 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/blogs.yahoo.co.jp\/zenikinnyama\/24200894.html\" target=\"_blank\">What is the Purpose of Public Parks? Reflections on the Homeless Eviction Issue<\/a> (Yamaga News \u2013 Blog of Shikaji Yamanaka)<br>\u25c7 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/blog.livedoor.jp\/kingcurtis\/archives\/50200394.html\" target=\"_blank\">Book Review: &#8220;Introduction to Homelessness&#8221;<\/a> (Birth of Blues)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>\u25c7 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/0000000000.net\/p-navi\/info\/column\/200601302155.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Watching Administrative Evictions \u2013 On the Banality of Evil<\/a> (P-navi Info)<br>\u25c7 <a href=\"http:\/\/0000000000.net\/p-navi\/info\/column\/200601311924.htm\">The Difference Between &#8220;Facilities&#8221; and Places to Live<\/a> (P-navi Info)<br>\u25c7 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/0000000000.net\/p-navi\/info\/news\/200601301932.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Kansai TV: &#8220;Why Don&#8217;t They Leave the Park?&#8221;<\/a> (P-navi Info)<\/p>\r\n\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On January 30, I uploaded footage capturing the entire forced eviction of day laborers and homeless workers ca&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32947,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"http:\/\/bund.jp\/modules\/wordpress\/?p=284","footnotes":""},"categories":[425,82,424,64],"tags":[97,1233,1250],"class_list":{"0":"post-373215","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-struggle_report","8":"category-anti-poverty","9":"category-movie","10":"category-classic","11":"tag-aeuuiieiaeo","12":"tag-dou-antipoverty","13":"tag-dou-recordingresistance","14":"en-US","15":"article"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Defying Forced Evictions: The Fight for Homeless Workers&#039; Rights in Osaka\u2019s Utsubo Park (Jan 30, 2006) - \u65d7\u65d7-HATAHATA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Osaka\u2019s Utsubo Park became the site of a mass forced eviction of homeless workers. 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