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ZWC_yamada 
"Human chain behavior"
- Seeking legal residency for 18 families and 2 individuals (34 people) who are undocumented foreigners -
Date and time: Tuesday, December 25, 2012, 14:00-16:00
APFS conducted a "human chain" activity in front of the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday, December 25, 2012. This activity followed the Ginza Parade held on November 18, 2012, in which 18 families and 2 individuals (34 people) called for legal residency for undocumented foreigners. In front of the Ministry of Justice, the 18 families and 2 individuals, along with their friends and supporters, held hands and each raised their voices to convey to the Ministry of Justice their concerns, such as "how difficult life has become because they have not been granted residency permits" and "their desire not to be separated from their families."
Despite the extremely cold weather that day, over 70 people gathered in front of the Ministry of Justice, including 34 people from 18 families and 2 individuals, as well as members of the APFS, the JOY Support Group, and the Preparatory Committee for the TORRES Family Support Group. There, each undocumented foreign resident spoke to the Ministry of Justice, expressing their "feelings" about their residency.
(Actual voices)
"Please don't tear our family apart. I beg you."
"I want to be in Japan with my family and everyone. I want to live together!"
"I may be a foreigner, but I was born and raised in Japan, so I wouldn't understand anything if I went to my parents' country. My parents have also lived in Japan for many years and have become more accustomed to the environment here. So, my whole family wants to stay in Japan."
Children and adults alike, some even in tears, clearly conveyed their feelings. Afterwards, they joined hands and formed a "human chain" in front of the Ministry of Justice. They filled the street in front of the Ministry of Justice, demonstrating to the Ministry through their actions their desire for residence permits and the support of their allies.
Perhaps because the passion behind their activities was conveyed, APFS representative Kato was ultimately able to hand over a petition to the Ministry of Justice requesting legal residency permits for 18 families, 2 individuals, and 34 undocumented foreigners. Through the petition, we were able to convey their feelings. However, there is no guarantee that they will be granted residency permits; rather, it is necessary to continue our activities of "telling the story" and "advocating" to further demand residency permits. APFS will also fully support those involved and push forward towards the goal of obtaining residency permits.