Japan protests to challenge Amazon’s Black Friday consumeristic sale

In response to Amazon Japan’s Black Friday event tomorrow, November 24, Fridays For Future Japan Climate Justice Project will conduct demonstrations to challenge the environmental and social impacts of the retail giant’s practices. These protests, organized across various Japanese cities, including Sendai, Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Kyoto, aim to draw attention to the negative consequences of mass consumerism and Amazon’s role in it.

Black Friday, a day marked by significant sales and promotions, has been criticized for its contribution to excessive consumption and environmental degradation. Notably, the 2021 Black Friday event in the UK resulted in the emission of 380,000 tons of CO2, equivalent to the emissions from 215 flights between London and Sydney.

The protesters’ key demands include fair wages and improved working conditions for Amazon workers and an end to the promotion of excessive consumption that exacerbates climate change. Additionally, the protests will address Amazon’s involvement in surveillance technologies used against Palestinians, contributing to their oppression.

These global protests reflect growing awareness and concern over the real costs of consumer conveniences. From harsh working conditions in warehouses to the environmental toll of packaging and shipping, the movement questions the sustainability of current business models in the face of climate change. With scientific predictions indicating a significant rise in global temperatures by 2030, these actions underscore the urgent need for a more responsible approach to consumption and business practices.