Thousands protest constitutional revision, military expansion in Japan

Tokyo: Thousands of protes­ters gathered near National Diet Building in Tokyo on Tuesday evening against PM Sanae Takaichi government’s push to revise the Japan’ pacifist constitution and expand military capabilities.

Organisers said around 10,000 people attended the rally, carrying placards reading “Stop constitutional revision and military expansion” and “Do not destroy Article 9”. 

Protesters chanted slogans demanding a halt to missile deployments and calling for Takaichi’s resignation.

Yuki Hoshino, who attend­ed the protest, said the government was pursuing constitutional changes without bro­ad public support. Another protester, Ryosuke Tanji, warned Japan must never repeat the tragedies of war.

Japanese media reported ruling Liberal Democratic Party had drafted proposals to strengthen air defence systems, expand combat capabilities and accelerate deployment of submarines carrying long-range missiles. 

Critics say the measures undermine Article 9 of Japan’s constitution. 

The constitution, effective since 1947, renounces war and prohibits maintaining military war potential.

-Agencies