France's Escalating Protests: Japanese Businesses in Paris Hit Hard

Large-scale demonstrations in France have intensified with arson and looting, severely impacting local businesses, including Japanese restaurants in Paris. A Japanese restaurant owner reported about 80 percent of reservations canceled on one day due to safety concerns. The protests, which drew around 410,000 participants nationwide on October 24, led to clashes with police and approximately 1,000 arrests that day alone. One shop owner described being attacked by about 50 people who stole all cigarettes from shelves. French authorities continue to manage the unrest as tourists express worries about planned visits to landmarks like the Louvre, while business owners urge for a swift return to calm.