International Anti-war day

October 21st annually is International Anti-war day. The word "international" is in the title, but this is a Japan only anniversary. The anniversary was started in Japan, by the General Council of Japan Trade Unions. On this day in 1966, the General Council of Japan Trade Unions carried out a nationwide political strike against the US military's intervention in the Vietnam War, "Vietnam Anti-War Unification Strike", and at the same time called on solidarity from anti-war movement groups around the world.

French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre praised the movement, calling it "the first anti-war strike in the world's trade unions." The following year, 1967, more than 100,000 people participated in an anti-Vietnam War demonstration (Pentagon March) in  Washington, D.C., USA, and similar demonstrations were held in Japan and Western Europe. After the end of the Vietnam War, this day became a day of action for the realization of world peace, and various rallies are held on this day. 

With everything going on in the world, it is very poignant. You may find many posts on social media today opposing war and discussing ways to reach peace. I am already noticing related content on my Instagram feed today and its still only the wee hours of the morning in Japan! The hashtag many of them use is "#国際反戦デー" ("International Anti-War Day") if you would like to join the conversation or observe the kind of content people post in relation to this important topic.