Japanese citizens stage largest anti-war protests in decades
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 7
Japanese citizens stage largest anti-war protests in decades
11 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 7
Rallies have spread from Tokyo to Osaka, Kyoto and Fukuoka since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government lifted a ban on lethal weapons exports on 21 April.
Protesters say the defence shift and expanded military role abroad threaten Article 9, Japan's pacifist constitutional clause, while younger people are helping drive turnout through social media.
The demonstrations expose a divided country, with some backing stronger deterrence against China, North Korea and Russia, and others warning Japan risks abandoning its post-war identity and being drawn into conflict.
With its weapons now for sale, will Japan fuel global peace or future conflicts?
As Japan re-arms, is it deterring China or stumbling into an unavoidable war?