Nearly 10,000 people gathered outside Japan’s National Diet Building in Tokyo to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s military and security policies. Demonstrators opposed constitutional revisions, weapons exports, military expansion, and defense agreements, warning that such measures could increase regional tensions and threaten Japan’s long-standing commitment to peace.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside Japan’s National Diet Building in Tokyo in a major anti-war rally, voicing strong opposition to what they described as dangerous policy initiatives pursued by the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Organized under the theme “Don’t Let War Happen,” the protest drew approximately 10,000 participants who assembled in front of the parliament complex carrying banners and placards bearing messages such as “No to Lethal Weapons Exports,” “Stop War Profiteering,” and “Protect Peace.” Throughout the event, protesters chanted slogans including “No War,” “No Military Buildup,” and “Protect Peace,” expressing concern over Japan’s evolving defense and security policies.
Participants argued that the current administration is moving the country toward greater militarization through a combination of constitutional reform efforts, expanded defense spending, and enhanced military cooperation with regional partners. Many demonstrators warned that these developments could undermine Japan’s post-war pacifist principles and increase tensions across Asia.
One protester, identified as Matsuzawa, told Xinhua that he believes Japan is becoming increasingly militarized under the Takaichi administration. He pointed to efforts to revise Article 9 of Japan’s Constitution, which renounces war as a means of settling international disputes, as well as proposed anti-espionage legislation that critics argue could restrict civil liberties.
Matsuzawa expressed concern about the long-term implications of these policies for future generations. Referring to his young child, he said he fears that continued military expansion could jeopardize the peaceful society that many Japanese citizens have sought to preserve since the end of World War II. He also warned that current developments remind him of historical trends that preceded Japan’s wartime period.
The rally took place amid growing debate over Japan’s expanding role in regional security affairs. The concerns of protesters intensified following recent discussions between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and visiting Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos. During the meeting, both sides reportedly reached several agreements on defense cooperation, including efforts to advance Japan’s planned export of destroyers to the Philippines.
The prospect of exporting military equipment drew particular criticism from demonstrators. A female participant speaking at the rally said she strongly opposes the export of lethal weapons, arguing that such actions contradict the spirit of Japan’s Constitution and its long-standing commitment to peace. She warned that increasing arms transfers could heighten regional tensions and called for stronger diplomatic engagement as a path toward stability and cooperation in Asia.
The Tokyo rally was part of a broader nationwide movement. According to reports, coordinated protest events were held at approximately 150 locations across Japan on the same day, reflecting widespread concern among citizens about the government’s defense and security agenda.
The demonstration follows another major anti-government protest held in central Tokyo in March, where around 8,000 people gathered to oppose policies including missile deployments and efforts to relax restrictions on lethal arms exports.
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As debates over national security, constitutional reform, and regional defense cooperation continue, the large turnout in Tokyo highlights the growing public discussion surrounding Japan’s future direction and its role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
