About 5,000 people held a rally outside the Myanmar embassy in Tokyo to call for the release of the country's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained in a coup on Monday.

Participants in Sunday's rally held photos of the leader and signs with messages such as "Save Myanmar", while chanting "Release Aung San Suu Kyi" and "We do not accept the military government".

A student from Myanmar who is studying in Japan said people in her country are constrained by the suspension of Internet service, and that she wants the international community, including Japan, to help.

A man from Myanmar said it will end up being a big loss for the country's future if they do not act now, and asked for Japan's help.

One of the organizers said he wants the people in Myanmar to know those living abroad are fighting with them.