Dozens of protesters gathered in Tokyo on Friday to oppose Japan's easing of decades-old arms export restrictions. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government announced the change on Tuesday, drawing criticism for undermining the country's post-war pacifist principles. Demonstrators in Shinjuku held placards reading "Stop exporting lethal weapons!" and chanted against unilateral government decisions.
Dozens of protesters assembled Friday in front of a busy train station in Tokyo's Shinjuku district, an AFP journalist reported. They held placards stating "Stop exporting lethal weapons!" and "No war," chanting "The government must not decide on its own."
Tokyo resident Ryozo Sawada, 74, told AFP he felt "an unbearable sense of humiliation." "Ever since I was a child, the one thing about Japan I could truly be proud of was that we renounced war," he said. Masako, a 29-year-old Tokyo resident, called the shift "incredibly frightening," adding she was angry that it denied Japan's 80 years of peace. Writer Yura Suzuike, 31, warned that Japan might join "senseless violence around the world," citing World War II lessons.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government approved the policy Tuesday via cabinet and National Security Council. Previously limited to five categories—search and rescue, transportation, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping—exports now include lethal weapons, but only to nations pledging use consistent with the UN Charter. Takaichi stressed Japan's "core principles" and pacifist "history" remain unchanged.
China reacted angrily amid its regional military activities and threats from North Korea and Russia. Proponents say it integrates Japan into the global defense supply chain amid instability. An NHK March survey found about half of respondents opposed the change, with 32 percent in support. Peace activists have held similar rallies nationwide over concerns about Takaichi's hawkish views.
