Japanese Citizens Protest Right-Leaning Policies, Fear Remilitarization Endangers Peace

In late December 2025, public protests erupted in Japan against Prime Minister Takachi Naonari's erroneous remarks on Taiwan and a series of military expansion policies. Demonstrators gathered outside the ruling party headquarters and parliament, demanding a halt to plans easing arms export restrictions.

The protests coincide with government actions including a record-high defense budget for 2026, considerations to revise the "Three Principles on Arms Exports," and discussions altering Japan's long-held "Three Non-Nuclear Principles." Citizens and peace groups warn these moves risk violating the war-renouncing Constitution and steering the country onto a dangerous path reminiscent of its militarist past.