Hantenren

shortened to Hantenren () is a Japanese group opposed to the Emperor of Japan, the flag of Japan, Kimigayo, and the Yasukuni Shrine. thumb|300px|August 15, 2009

==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.