Pensioner, 95, catches four buses to join march against racism in New Zealand

By Deputy Chief EditorMarch 27, 2019

181 1 minute read

A 95-year-old pensioner jumped on four buses to show his support for the Muslim community and march against racism in New Zealand.

John Sato told Radio New Zealand he couldnt sleep after hearing about the Christchurch shooting, where a lone gunman killed 50 people dead.

Sato, one of only two Kiwi-Japanese servicemen in the New Zealand army during the Second World War, can be seen in pictures being supported by a police officer and a helper.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 24: John Sato (C) 95, one of only two Japanese servicemen in the New Zealand army in WWII, took two buses from Howick to join the march against racism at Aotea Square on March 24, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. 50 people were killed, and dozens were injured in Christchurch on Friday, March 15 when a gunman opened fire at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques. The attack is the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's history. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images) — John Sato, 95, joined a rally in support of the Muslim community after the worst mass shooting in New Zealands modern history (Picture: Getty Images)

He told the radio station: I stayed awake quite a lot of the night and I didnt sleep to well ever since, you know. I thought it was sad. You can feel the suffering of other people.

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I think it is such a tragedy and, yet it has the other side. It has put people together.

It doesnt matter what their race or anything. People have suddenly realised we are all one. We care for each other.

After the terror attack on March 15, Sato visited a mosque near his home to show support.