Around 38,000 Japanese people gathered in Tokyo on Saturday to mark the country’s Constitution Memorial Day and call for the protection of peace.
Observed on May 3, the memorial day commemorates the 1947 enactment of Japan’s pacifist constitution, which includes Article 9, a clause that renounces the nation’s right to engage in war or to resort to military force to resolve international conflicts.
At the rally, participants displayed banners reading “protect the constitution, protect peace” and voiced concerns over the government’s attempts to amend the pacifist constitution, expressing their firm opposition to war.
The gathering highlighted public anxiety about Japan’s growing militarization and its potential implications for regional stability.
The participants believe that in today’s increasingly complex international situation, it is of great significance for Japanese people to safeguard the pacifist constitution.
Thousands of Japanese rally in support of peace on Constitution Memorial Day
Distinctive tourism projects at attractions across China have captivated large numbers of visitors, offering them entirely new travel experiences.
At Zhangbi Fortress, an ancient multi-functional military stronghold in north China’s Shanxi Province, visitors are treated to an immersive journey that blends history with technology.
With the help of virtual reality (VR) headsets, tourists can team up with virtual archaeologists on an adventure to uncover the secrets of this mysterious fortress.
“After putting on the headsets, the combination of virtual and real elements creates an immersive, interactive experience. It’s very high-tech, and it feels truly amazing,” said Du Sidan, a tourist.
In addition, the site offers vibrant folk performances, enriching the experience with local culture.
“We’ve prepared a variety of colorful folk performances, such as ancient costume parades and large-space mixed reality immersive, interactive programs, offering visitors a unique tourism experience,” said Yan Xiaofeng, deputy general manager of the Shanxi Kaijia Zhangbi Castle Eco-tourism Co., Ltd.
Meanwhile, in Dunhuang City, northwest China’s Gansu Province, a special grand concert at Yueya Spring, a crescent-shaped lake surrounded by giant sand dunes, has become a major attraction during the ongoing five-day May Day holiday. Over 10,000 tourists gathered under the star in the vast desert, waving glow sticks and flashlights, and synchronized with a light show, to experience an unforgettable cultural feast blending music and starlight.
“This is our first visit to the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Yueya Spring Scenic Area, and we happened to catch the grand chorus. I’m so happy. The atmosphere of singing together is fantastic,” said Hao Ye, a tourist from northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.
“The atmosphere is fantastic, and I feel like I’ve reached a whole new level of experience,” said Li Xinyu, a tourist from east China’s Shandong Province.
The grand concert, launched in 2023, has quickly become a hit among visitors and is now an annual feature during the peak tourist season, drawing large crowds year after year.
Unique tourism experiences across China captivate visitors during May Day Holiday
AloJapan.com