Nagoya officials tear down tents of homeless people living in Shirakawa Park.

Shirakawa Park is in the heart of the city, not far from Nagoya Station.

Supporters of homeless people said the city wants to hide the homeless from public view before tourists start arriving in the prefectural capital for the expo.

A homeless man was pulled out of his tent by the guards after refusing to move.

Nagoya Mayor Takehisa Matsubara defended the move in a statement released to the media. He said the city would open a consultation center to help the displaced homeless people find lodgings and jobs.

The Japan Times Weekly: Jan. 29, 2005
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