Protests begin ahead of G8 summit in Japan
Updated
Thousands of farmers and activists from around the world have demonstrated in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo ahead of next week's summit of the Group of Eight rich nations.
Japan mobilised thousands of riot police to prevent any violence on the streets of Sapporo, the closest major city to the lakeside resort of Toyako, where world leaders will meet from Monday.
Dozens of masked protesters were warned by police against entering restricted areas as Japanese organisers of the rally called on the demonstrators to avoid violence and clashes with police.
Organisers say of an estimate 5,000 protestors, two were arrested.
