Hundreds of Japanese citizens gathered outside the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo this week, calling for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to withdraw controversial statements regarding Taiwan and condemning discussions about nuclear armament within government circles. The December 23 protest highlighted growing public concern over Japan's security policy direction.
Protesters carried banners reading 'Uphold Peace' and 'Protect Constitutional Principles,' while Social Democratic Party leader Mizuho Fukushima criticized what she called a 'war-preparation cabinet.' Fukushima emphasized that Japan's rising defense budget and nuclear policy debates risk undermining its post-war Three Non-Nuclear Principles.
The demonstration specifically targeted Takaichi's recent comments on Taiwan, which protesters argue violate Article 9 of Japan's pacifist constitution. 'These remarks not only threaten regional stability but ignore historical lessons,' Fukushima told the crowd, referencing concerns about Japan's pre-World War II militarization patterns.
Sophia University professor Koichi Nakano noted to media that many Japanese citizens 'lack context about the sensitivity of Taiwan-related statements,' attributing this to gaps in historical education. Protest participant Chieko Okada echoed this sentiment, stating: 'We cannot support policies made without understanding our own past.'
The rally reflects deepening societal divisions as Japan navigates its security role in Asia. With defense spending reaching record levels this year and ongoing debates about constitutional reinterpretation, analysts suggest such protests may influence upcoming policy discussions.
