90,000 Protest Takaichi's Military Shift Across Japan

Sanae Takaichi has triggered Japan's largest anti-war protests in decades by dismantling the country's post-war pacifist stance through a series of security policy shifts. Since taking office in October 2025 and winning a landslide snap election in February 2026, Takaichi lifted a long-standing ban on exporting lethal weapons on April 21, expanded the military's role abroad, deployed long-range missiles in southwest Japan, and strengthened defense ties with allies. Her government argues these measures are necessary given an unstable security environment involving China, North Korea, and Russia, and the United States has encouraged Tokyo to take a more active role.

Public opposition has surged dramatically. Over 90,000 people protested nationwide, with demonstrations spanning every prefecture and more than 200 cities and towns including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. The protests peaked on the constitution's anniversary last weekend, when 50,000 people gathered in Tokyo outside the prime minister's office. A significant number of demonstrators are young adults in their 20s and 30s, a demographic now driving the movement to defend Article 9 of the constitution, which renounces war.

Protesters are calling for both the preservation of Article 9 and Takaichi's resignation. The movement reflects a deep national divide between those who view pacifism as a moral imperative and those who believe military modernization is essential for survival. Despite the unrest, Takaichi maintains her approval ratings. However, her Liberal Democratic Party currently lacks the two-thirds majority in the upper house of parliament needed to formally revise the constitution, leaving the legal status of Article 9 intact for now.