Article by Viory
Demonstrators gathered in central Tokyo to protest against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, voicing anger over missile deployment plans, arms exports, and the government’s alignment with the United States amid escalating global tensions.
Footage shows protesters holding lights and banners reading ‘No war’, as criticism mounted over Tokyo’s security policies and its response to the widening Middle East conflict.
Participants accused the government of failing to prioritise citizens’ welfare, particularly as concerns grow over a potential energy crisis.
“The government only thinks about itself and doesn’t care about protecting its citizens. It’s clear that Japan will soon face an actual oil shortage… yet they fail to properly explain this to the public,” Maria, a protester, said.
Others targeted what they described as overly close relations with Washington.
“I am ashamed that Japan has a prime minister who engages in hugging diplomacy… we must remove such a prime minister as soon as possible,” Kurata, another protester, said.
“She is just flattering him… saying things like ‘Only Donald can bring peace and prosperity’… I can’t stand it anymore… It’s unacceptable,” said demonstrator Teruyo. “The media doesn’t criticise it. Things like hugging, hugging Trump, stroking his hand—those kinds of things are reported as normal.”
“I oppose all wars… This isn’t a war with Iran; it’s a war that America started unilaterally with Israel,” fellow demonstrator Ichikawa noted.
The demonstration comes as global tensions continue to rise following joint US–Israeli military operations against Iran, launched on February 28 after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The conflict has triggered retaliatory strikes, disrupted energy markets, and heightened fears of fuel shortages in countries heavily dependent on imports, including Japan.
Article by Viory
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