The fight for human rights goes on, but these considerate people have earned a ton of respect from some Japanese people.
As the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement enters its 11th week to oppose a bill allowing China to extradite the country’s citizens into the mainland, protesters have entered the airport to make their voices heard.
While similar large-scale protests sometimes descend into violent chaos, Hong Kong demonstrators have so far shown that they are only here to oppose the unpopular bill and not to inconvenience the public.
So when protesters occupied Hong Kong International Airport a few days prior, they tried to remain as organized as possible while apologizing to incoming visitors…
▼ …using a banner to explain their actions.
香港国際空港で見かけられた、旅行者への手書きの横断幕。「ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません。私たちは故郷の未来の為に戦っています。」 pic.twitter.com/UnsxDaD5nj
— Martin Fackler (@martfack) August 14, 2019
The way these demonstrators conducted themselves spoke volumes of their consideration for the public. They were not there to cause needless trouble, but to stand up for their rights.
Their determination must have sparked something in Japanese people, who often aim to inconvenience others as little as possible, such as during the bus strike in Okayama last year when the drivers still drove but refused to take passengers’ fare.
“I respect people who fight for their future. We as Japanese people should learn from them.”
“You’re not disrupting others. Human rights is more important. Don’t say sorry.”
“Their fight for freedom has made me rethink my priorities in life. Please do your best.”
“For freedom!”
“The ones suffering the most are Hong Kong people, so please don’t apologize.”
It takes a lot of guts and determination to fight for the future of your country like that, all the while making sure everyday life is still going as smoothly as possible. Who knows, maybe one day their brave actions may result in a tribute video just like what someone did a few years ago during the Umbrella Revolution.
Source: Twitter/@martfack via Twicolle
Featured image: Twitter/@martfack
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Hong Kong counter-protesters gather to sing Chinese national anthem on streets of Osaka, Japan
“Spies” from the police force confuse and anger Hong Kong protesters
Protest song featuring Hatsune Miku gets love from Hong Kong
Incredible videos show seas of Hong Kong protestors parting to let ambulances through【Videos】
What was this Attack on Titan giant doing at a protest in Hong Kong?
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Meet the eerie police statues of Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
We almost cried on our first visit to this under-the-radar budget Italian restaurant in Japan
Japan’s plus-sized idol singer group releases new video about the joys of eating【Video】
Brown-haired girl sues Japanese school for telling her to dye hair black, court makes decision
“Hey, Japanese taxi driver, take us to the best takoyaki in Osaka!”
Clever home sushi-making set puts a whole new spin on revolving sushi
Add a little magic to your meal at Mahou Dining Bar Osmand in Tokyo, now with escape rooms
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
Tokyo all-you-can-eat senbei deal is perfect for newbies to the world of beloved Japanese snacks
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Vandalism on rise at Japanese shrines as pro-Hong Kong protest prayer boards are defaced
New UFO caught on tape at Hong Kong protest may spell the end of UFO videos as we know them
X Japan’s Yoshiki apologizes for having dinner with Jackie Chan
Extreme vacationing: How to enjoy a trip to Hong Kong in just 12 hours
Starbucks adds Japanese soba noodles to its menu…in Hong Kong?!?【Taste test】
Leave a Reply