Protest erupts in Japan over arrival of US carrier

June 5, 1981

Thousands of demonstrators shouting anti-American slogans and waving antiwar signs marched past the US Navy base Thursday night to protest the imminent arrival of the US aircraft carrier Midway. Police reported no major incidents during the demonstrations, staged after more than 7,000 people held an anti-Midway rally nearby.

Earlier, about 80,000 commuters were held up when railroad workers staged a slowdown protest.

Japan's Communist and Socialist Parties estimated that 10,000 demonstrators would protest against the arrival of the ship today (June 5).