**Thousands Protest Growing Militarism in Tokyo**
On Sunday, a significant demonstration took place outside Japan's National Diet Building in Tokyo, where approximately 25,000 protestors gathered to voice their opposition to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's plans to revise the nation's pacifist constitution and expand military capabilities. The protestors called for Takaichi's resignation and expressed concerns over her proposed increase in defense spending, the relaxation of restrictions on weapon exports, and legislation they believe could undermine civil liberties.
This rally is part of a series of protests against Takaichi’s administration, which have seen substantial turnouts in recent months. Organizers reported that earlier demonstrations attracted 50,000 participants in May, 26,000 on June 19, and 27,000 on July 10, indicating a growing public discontent regarding the government's military policies.
Central to the protests is the proposed amendment to Article 9 of Japan's constitution, which currently renounces war and prohibits the use of force to resolve international disputes. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) aims to add a clause that would explicitly recognize the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and permit measures deemed necessary to address national security threats, which Takaichi has cited as emanating from China and North Korea.
Critics of the proposed constitutional change argue that it could diminish the existing constraints on military action, potentially transforming the SDF into a conventional military force and facilitating Japan's involvement in overseas conflicts. This shift raises concerns among many Japanese citizens, who fear a departure from the post-World War II pacifism that has characterized the nation for decades.
Under Takaichi's leadership, the government has already increased defense spending to approximately 2% of the country's GDP. The budget for 2026 is set to allocate around ¥8.8 trillion (approximately $55 billion) for various military enhancements, including long-range missiles, drones, and fortified military facilities. Additionally, in April, the government eased restrictions on the export of lethal weapons, further fueling concerns among the protestors.
The debate surrounding Japan's military posture has also touched on nuclear arms. Reports have surfaced that an unnamed senior adviser to Takaichi suggested Japan should consider acquiring nuclear weapons, while the Prime Minister is believed to be contemplating a revision of the country's commitments to not possess, produce, or allow nuclear arms on its territory. However, the Japanese government maintains that its nuclear policy remains unchanged.
International reactions to Japan's militarization have been critical. China has accused Japanese right-wing factions of seeking to remilitarize the country, while Russia has warned that Japan's military buildup could exacerbate security tensions in Northeast Asia, prompting neighboring countries to adopt countermeasures.
Participants in the protests argue that Japan's postwar pacifism has been instrumental in maintaining stability and preventing the country from becoming embroiled in foreign conflicts. Many demonstrators have called for a reallocation of resources towards healthcare, education, disaster preparedness, and addressing rising living costs, rather than expanding military capabilities.
The protests come at a time when public support for Takaichi's government is waning. A recent poll conducted by ANN indicated that cabinet approval ratings dropped to 49.2%, a decrease of 10.9 points from June, marking the first time since Takaichi took office that approval has fallen below 50%. Disapproval ratings have risen to 34.8%, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with her administration's policies.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the mounting public pressure and whether Takaichi's plans for military expansion and constitutional revision will proceed as intended. The ongoing demonstrations underscore a significant divide in Japanese society regarding the future direction of the nation's defense policy and its implications for civil liberties and international relations.