Japanese Trade Union Confederation (RENGO)

Worker’s Celebration

76th May Day Central Rally Held

On April 29th, RENGO held its 76th May Day Central Rally at Yoyogi Park. Approximately 37,000 people attended the rally under the slogan of Work for 'Peace, Human Rights, Environment, Labor, and Coexistence' through Worker Solidarity and Build a Welfare-Oriented, Labor-Centered Society as well as a Free and Peaceful World! The May Day Central Rally was composed of three parts; the Central Rally Ceremony, a Contact Fair, and a Spirited Demonstration. The NPO and NGO organizations participating in May Day thought up various plans that turned the Contact Fair into a true 'recreation area' where average citizens could also join in. Guests in attendance at the ceremony included Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Otsuji, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Vice Governor Hamauzu, Democratic Party of Japan President Okada, and Social Democratic Party President Fukushima, all of whom presented speeches.

This year’s May Day Central Ceremony was attended by many guests of honor representing the government, various administrations, and political parties. Representing the government, Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Otsuji said in his speech "although we are faced with a mountain of issues, we are confident that the major issues will be resolved through the trusting relationship that exists among government, labor, and management."

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Vice Governor Hamauzu addressed attendees by saying, "we trust RENGO to convey the true state of Japan from the workplace in response to the changing society looking ahead to the future with the workers' voices firmly in our minds." Democratic Party of Japan President Okada and Social Democratic Party Leader Fukushima representing the political parties each offered speeches of solidarity. Afterwards, representatives from the Niigata area, which was hit by a succession of earthquakes and other natural disasters, expressed their gratitude for disaster relief and requested long term support for reconstruction. Then, participants adopted a joint message by RENGO/NGO/NPO and the May Day Declaration with unanimous applause and the ceremony closed with a strong three-part cheer led by President Sasamori.