Wikipedia wrote:Ee ja nai ka was not linked to any political agenda] It was not uncommon, however, to express deep concern for the ongoing process of political destabilization that shook Japan at the same time and ultimately led to the downfall of the Tokugawa shogunate. [B]Disgust at Western and Christian foreigners, disappointment regarding the lack of political leadership and other signs of awakening national consciousness were frequently displayed. There is, however, no evidence for any political setup or staging of Ee ja nai ka, although this was also rumoured. Political authorities...never regarded it as a political threat.
Kinda makes me wonder what the protestors were thinking today.