Tomi Kobayashi (1930-2003) was a woman who has become a legend.

When massive protests against the revision of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty were picking up steam in 1960, Kobayashi was a 30-year-old art teacher.

Back then, it was taken for granted that demonstrators should take to the streets in groups, not as individuals.

But Kobayashi wanted to go solo, so she made a banner that read, “Daredemo haireru koe naki koe no kai” (literally, “Society of the voiceless that anyone can join”), and held it up as she walked toward the Diet building one day.

Some workers on their way home noticed her. So did a housewife and a student.........

© The Asahi Shimbun