Japanese embassy protest: Activists sing David Bowie classic to campaign against the killing of dolphins

Protest: Hundreds gathered outside the Japanese embassy to campaign against the killing of dolphins
Dominic Dyer
Jamie Bullen16 January 2016

Hundreds of protesters broke into a David Bowie classic when they gathered outside the Japanese embassy to campaign against the killing of dolphins.

Demonstrators held placards, banners and inflatable dolphins opposite the embassy in Piccadilly on Saturday to call for an end to hunting in Taiji, Japan, where dolphins are regularly slaughtered.

Activists also performed a rendition of Mr Bowie’s 1977 hit “Heroes” after the song was used in an Oscar-winning documentary to highlight the practices.

The iconic musician, who died on Monday, gave permission for the record to be used in The Cove and was said to have a keen interest in Japanese culture.

Dominic Dyer, a spokesman for the Born Free organisation, said the song made an apt soundtrack for the rally.

He said: “When the filmmakers produced this really powerful piece of work, they wanted a tune to finish it with that really evoked all of what had gone on in trying to make the documentary.

"They approached David Bowie and he allowed the tune to be used for a very small amount of money. He knew Japan very well, he toured there regularly and had an interest in Japanese culture and literature - he had quite a lot to lose by having Heroes in this film.

"He chose to use and we want to celebrate that, it has become an anthem for the movement."

Earlier, the crowd had marched down from Cavendish Square and through Piccadilly Circus chanting "stop the slaughter in the water".

The Japanese flag was not flying above the embassy, in what protesters believed was a response to their demonstration.

Lyrics for the song were passed out among the crowd before it was played and Mr Dyer prefaced it with a speech praising Bowie for allowing the track to be used in The Cove.

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