A group fighting to eradicate discrimination in Japan reported on a number of recent cases of discriminatory practices by businesses across the country on Thursday at a gathering in Tokyo and called for legislation to ban such practices.
The meeting was also convened in response to Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's recent comments on the possibility of rioting by illegal foreign residents following a major earthquake.
Speakers at the gathering included Ryukoku University professor Hiroshi Tanaka, a well-known expert on race-based discrimination in Japan, and In Ha Lee, chairman of Kawasaki City's Foreigners Advisory Council.