Hantenren

Han Tennosei Undo Renraku Kai (反天皇制運動連絡会) shortened to Hantenren (反天連) is a Japanese ultra-left group opposed to the Emperor of Japan, Flag of Japan, Kimigayo and Yasukuni Shrine.

History
After the birth of Princess Aiko, the first born of the Crown Prince and Princess in December 2001, 60 Hantenren members conducted a protest against nationwide celebrations of the birth. One member Homare Kitano, 42, is quoted saying “Today, many other children were born, but this baby will be praised as if she is the most blessed child”. Other protesters chanted slogans such as “We won’t celebrate” and “No need for successor to Imperial family,” while wearing sashes with an “X” written over the kanji for celebration.

During the 2019 Japanese imperial transition, Hantenren supporters protested the ascension of Naruhito.