Miyashita Park in Tokyo is an historic site with a history of homeless encampments. Officials plan to turn the park into a skateboard park, with naming rights purchased by Nike.
The homeless have draped the park in "No Nike" signs, and a number of younger Japanese have joined them in protest. Aside from changing the name of the park, protesters are upset about Nike's plans to charge admission and close the park at night:
West Tokyo Hustle comments:
"Miyashita koen will become a space to generate profits for a single company and will regulate the people allowed through its gates. Such a space surely must surrender the title of ‘park'. Although Ajinomoto and CC Lemon, both Japanese companies, adorn their name to stadiums and halls, Nike is the American company that has finally fixed a turnstile to a public park that charges a few hundred yen per head."
FULL STORY: Nike Fastens a Turnstile to Miyashita Park
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