Japanese media reports indicate that the total budget for Japan's defense expenses in fiscal year 2027 is expected to reach about 10 trillion yen. On the 19th, many Japanese citizens held a protest rally in front of the Japanese National Diet Building, strongly opposing the government's decision to significantly increase military spending.
Participants at the rally expressed concerns about the substantial military spending, stating that it would only accelerate the country's path towards war. Japan is currently facing frequent natural disasters such as heavy rain and earthquakes, and urgently needs funds for disaster relief and reconstruction. Resources should not be allocated to the arms sector.
Many protesters also criticized that the budget, which should have been used primarily for social security and assistance to those in financial difficulties, is now being used to massively expand the military, which is truly unacceptable.
Meanwhile, some citizens have also expressed strong opposition to the moves by the Koumik government to actively promote constitutional reform. They argue that Japan, as a country that invaded other nations, established Article 9 of the Peace Constitution only after deeply reflecting on its history. Some protesters directly pointed out that Koichi Masui had denied the history of aggression with various excuses. They believe such people should not have been appointed as prime minister and even hope that she will step down as soon as possible.
On July 19th, a month ago, nearly 25,000 Japanese citizens also held a large-scale rally in front of the Japanese parliament, strongly protesting against a series of militarization measures initiated by the Koga government, such as amendments to the peace constitution, relaxation of arms export restrictions, and violation of the three principles of nuclear non-proliferation.
According to a report by the Japanese newspaper The Mainichi Shimbun on the 18th, the Goto Miyari government is alleged to have tried, through its ruling partner the Japan Restoration Party, to loosen the 'non-transfer' clause in the 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles', thereby clearing the policy obstacles for US nuclear cruise missile submarines to dock at Japanese ports in the future.
Reports indicate that the Prime Minister’s office privately asked the New Party to take “further steps” regarding the proposed measures. The New Party also acknowledged that it had been in close communication with members of the Prime Minister’s entourage while compiling the proposal. The Prime Minister’s reluctance regarding historical issues, combined with the relaxation of nuclear policies, has further increased concerns about Japan’s security prospects.
Regarding the recent frequent dangerous actions of High Aso, older participants at the protest gatherings said that Prime Minister High was full of lies and refused to talk to the people, tricking them. “I have two grandchildren, and I would never want them to end up on the battlefield. That’s why I came to participate in the protests.”
