Key Facts
• July 2, 2025: Second hearing held at Saitama District Court.
• Plaintiff: Japan Kurdish Cultural Association seeks to halt anti-Kurdish protests.
• Defendant: Kenichi Watanabe accused of organizing protests since September 2023.
• Protest slogans included “No to Kurdish Association supporting terrorism.”
• Plaintiff claims protests led to increased hate speech and threats.
• Examples: Office received bomb threats; Kurdish children bullied at school.
• Defendant denies hate speech, alleges ties between association and PKK.
• NHK audio analysis refutes claims of inflammatory remarks by association leader.
• Police confirmed no evidence linking the association to terrorism or PKK funding.
• Supporters criticize political rhetoric fueling xenophobia during elections.
Summary
The Japan Kurdish Cultural Association is pursuing legal action to stop anti-Kurdish protests, citing increased hate speech and threats against the Kurdish community. The second hearing, held on July 2, 2025, at the Saitama District Court, saw the association’s representative, Sikan Wakkas, highlight the challenges Kurds face in Japan, including bomb threats and bullying. Defendant Kenichi Watanabe denies hate speech allegations, claiming the association has ties to the PKK, a claim refuted by police and NHK analysis. The case has drawn public attention, with full court attendance and discussions on xenophobic rhetoric in politics. Supporters urge action against rising exclusionary sentiments.
