Anti-War Protests Grow in Japan Over Shift From Pacifist Policies

Anti-war protests have spread across Japan in recent months, with demonstrators carrying "no war" signs at some of the largest rallies in at least a decade. Crowds oppose the prime minister's efforts to move away from the country's longstanding pacifist stance, including lifting restrictions on arms exports, deploying long-range missiles in the southwest and deepening defense partnerships with allies.

The government has described these steps as necessary responses to mounting global conflicts, an assertive China, an unpredictable North Korea and a Russia at war. Supporters also cite questions about the reliability of the United States as an ally.

The current wave of demonstrations began building in February after the prime minister secured a landslide victory in a snap election, granting a strong mandate for a conservative agenda that includes revising the constitution.

Thousands gathered outside parliament in February to defend pacifism. Crowds grew larger in April after the government removed longstanding limits on exporting lethal weapons. Organizers reported more than 50,000 participants in over 200 cities and towns that month.

The demonstrations peaked last weekend on a public holiday marking the constitution's anniversary, with more than 90,000 people taking part nationwide. In Tokyo, over 50,000 gathered in a park to voice opposition to the military policy shifts, according to organizers.

The protests have occurred in every prefecture, with attendance increasing each week. They reflect concern that changes risk eroding the postwar pacifism enshrined in the constitution, which was adopted under Allied occupation after World War II and renounces war as a sovereign right.

Participants range from older generations who remember World War II and the atomic bombings to people in their 20s and 30s who feel they have the most at stake. The rallies have drawn many first-time protesters, aided by an approachable image spread on social media and tactics such as glowing light sticks inspired by demonstrations in South Korea.

Demonstrators have called for the prime minister to resign and for the country to preserve its pacifist identity. They argue that constitutional revision could remilitarize Japan, damage its reputation as a nonthreatening economic power and increase the risk of entanglement in conflicts, including potential escalation over Taiwan.

Rising prices linked to conflict in the Middle East have added to economic pressures, compounded by a drop in Chinese tourism tied to the prime minister's statements on defending Taiwan. The chant "The peace constitution is Japan's treasure" has become a rallying cry.

Japan maintains a military that operates under the current interpretation of Article 9, which prohibits armed forces except for self-defense. Recent polls indicate strong support for a stronger military alongside significant resistance to further changes.

However, the prime minister remains popular and the demonstrations appear not to have damaged approval ratings. Any constitutional revision would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament followed by a simple majority in a national referendum.

The prime minister's party lacks sufficient seats in the upper house and would need support from allies to advance such a measure. The prime minister is considering a visit to South Korea on May 19 for summit talks with the South Korean president in the city of Andong.

The trip would focus on economic security cooperation, including energy and critical mineral supply chains amid the Middle East conflict. It continues a pattern of shuttle diplomacy between the neighbors, following the prime minister's October visit to South Korea and the South Korean president's trip to Japan in January.

For decades, Japan has gradually moved away from its strict anti-war posture. The latest actions build on that trend but have accelerated concerns about the pace and direction under the current leadership. The prime minister assumed office in October and expanded power after the February election.

The government has argued that the regional security environment demands these adjustments. Opponents counter that the moves contribute to global militarization trends and could harm Japan's postwar image.