Hundreds gathered in Tokyo on Thursday to protest Japan's controversial plan to relax weapons export rules, with demonstrators calling the move “a dangerous shift” for a nation constitutionally bound to pacifism. The rally outside Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters saw emotional appeals as activists waved signs reading “No War” and “Stop Weaponizing Japan.”
🔥 Why It Matters: The ruling coalition wants to abolish current restrictions limiting exports to nonlethal equipment like rescue gear and surveillance tech. Critics warn this could see Japanese-made weapons fuel conflicts worldwide – a stark contrast to the country’s post-WWII identity.
Yoko Sugiura, a protester, told NewspaperAmigo.com: “We’re literally watching peace principles get dismantled. Once these weapons leave Japan, we lose control over how they’re used.” An anonymous activist added: “How can a ‘law-abiding nation’ rewrite rules to profit from warfare?”
📜 Behind the Scenes: The government aims to submit revised guidelines by February 2026, arguing the changes will strengthen defense partnerships. But with 72% of citizens opposing arms exports in recent polls, this battle is far from over.
