Myanmar nationals in Japan hold pro-democracy rally on 1988 Uprising anniversary

TOKYO -- On Aug. 8, the 34th anniversary of the 1988 Uprising in Myanmar, some 100 people including Myanmar citizens in Japan held a protest calling for democracy in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo.

The protesters also mentioned journalist Toru Kubota, who has been held since being arrested while covering a protest in Myanmar, and demanded his immediate release.

A 50-year-old Myanmar national who works at an eatery said, "I think that the military had its eye on Kubota before he was arrested. They should release him immediately. The 1988 Uprising is an important day for us, which we haven't forgotten. I want Myanmar to become a democratic and peaceful country soon."

(Japanese original by Yuki Miyatake, Photo Group)