Approximately 10,000 Japanese citizens held an anti-war rally on the evening of May 29 in front of the National Diet Building in Tokyo, protesting a series of dangerous policies put forward by the Sanae Takaichi administration.
The Takaichi administration is pushing for military expansion and arms build-up domestically, while on the other hand, seeking to strengthen security ties with neighboring countries. On May 28, Takaichi held talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who was visiting Japan. The two sides reached multiple agreements on advancing Japan's export of frigates to the Philippines and other defense issues.
The rally's theme was "do not let war happen." Demonstrators held signs reading "oppose export of lethal weapons" "oppose military expansion," and "protect peace."
A protester said he strongly feels that Japan is now visibly moving toward "militarization" and "nationalism," as reflected in the Takaichi administration's attempts to revise Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan and push forward with anti-espionage legislation. Matsuzawa stated that these measures remind people of various phenomena in Japan before World War II. "My child is in elementary school, and I feel that if this continues, we will not be able to leave a peaceful Japan for children."
On the same day, protest activities took place in approximately 150 locations across Japan.
Related News:
Thousands rally in Tokyo against Takaichi government's dangerous policy moves
Japan dispatches SDF personnel to NATO's Ukraine assistance mission for 1st time
Comment