Organizers of an art exhibition in Tokyo featuring a statue symbolizing "comfort women" who suffered under Japan’s military brothel system before and during World War II decided Thursday to postpone the upcoming event due to disruptions caused by protestors in vehicles using loudspeakers.
The exhibition, which had sparked controversy two years ago in Nagoya, was set to open Friday and run through July 4 in the capital, but the venue owner backed out of an earlier agreement to host the event, saying it would "disturb the neighbors," according to the organizers.
"This is only a postponement and we are confident that we can hold the event," Yuka Okamoto, 58, an organizer of the "Non-Freedom of Expression Exhibition," told a news conference.