Americans in Japan join to fight against Trumpism

Published:  17 Feb at 6 PM
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As the political chaos in the White House continues, American citizens living overseas are rejecting the Trump administration and getting together to fight against its possible consequences.

Whilst Americans in the home country are becoming aware that all is not normal at the top of the Washington political tree, US expats living overseas are increasingly concerned about the future of America and the possible consequences of the nation’s choice of president. Around eight million Americans live outside the USA, with many in locations which may become targets for the new administration.

Ever since the inauguration, US expatriates in Japan have been following articles and comments about Trump and his unprofessional style, with the Japan Times and other English language media coverage telling it like it is on a daily basis. Protests began on inauguration day with womens’ marches together totalling 800 participants taking place in Tokyo and Osaka.

Fired by a small start shared by both expat and Japanese women, many other US expatriates are now committing to becoming more involved in resisting the ongoing political chaos in their home country. Both Japanese nationals and US citizens are concerned the sexist, homophobic and racialist slurs being made by the new administration might well encourage the Japanese government to join in.

University professor Satoko Itani told reporters of her fears that friends and families’ lives may be trashed by a change in her government’s attitude. New organisations are springing up and established groups are gaining more members, with Osaka resident Steven Breyak opening debates on social media, contacting his state representatives on certain issues and joining Democrats Abroad.

Last Sunday, the non-partisan and multi-faith Alliance for an Inclusive America organised a march in Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park in support of those affected by Trumps travel ban. US expat Ric Fouad echoed everyone’s feelings with his unequivocal statement ‘The ban.The wall. The othering. All end here.’

The alliance’s main objective is to act as a clearing house for US protest groups in Japan involved in activities to support the goal of preserving America as a cherished civil society.The group will also be organising its own events as the need to be heard grows within Japan's US expat community.
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