Thousands gathered in Tokyo on February 24, 2026, to voice opposition to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's controversial national security agenda. The demonstration marked one of the largest public challenges to her administration since last week's parliamentary speech outlining plans for constitutional revisions and military expansion.
Protesters filled the streets near the House of Representatives' Second Members' Office Building, holding banners condemning what many called 'a return to pre-war militarism.' Organizers from civil society groups emphasized concerns about proposed legislation that would enable lethal weapons exports and enhance intelligence-gathering powers.
'This isn't about security – it's about preparing for perpetual conflict,' said Noriko Kashikawa, a protester who traveled from Osaka. Her sentiment echoed through the crowd as chants of 'Protect Article 9' referenced Japan's war-renouncing constitutional clause.
University student Aya Matsubara told KhabarAsia: 'Young people see through the rhetoric. Expanding military budgets while cutting education funding shows twisted priorities.' Recent government data shows defense spending has increased 18% year-over-year since Takaichi took office in 2025.
The demonstration follows the Prime Minister's February 20 parliamentary address where she declared 'new security realities' requiring 'fundamental defense capability strengthening.' Analysts note this aligns with increased coordination with the U.S. military presence in Asia-Pacific regions.
