Japan sees largest protest in support of pacifist constitution as PM Takaichi pushes revisions
Japan witnessed its largest protest in support of its pacifist constitution as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pushes for revisions to reflect modern security challenges. Demonstrators, numbering around 50,000 in Tokyo alone, defended Article 9, which prohibits the use of military force in international disputes. While Takaichi advocates constitutional reform, public opinion remains divided on the extent and necessity of such changes.
- ▪Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called for advanced discussions on revising Japan's postwar constitution, particularly targeting Article 9.
- ▪Protests took place across Japan on 3 May, with an estimated 50,000 people gathering in Tokyo to defend the pacifist constitution.
- ▪Revising the constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament and a simple majority in a national referendum.
- ▪Recent polls show public support for constitutional revision ranging from 47% to 57%, depending on the survey.
- ▪Takaichi declined a U.S. request to send maritime forces to the Strait of Hormuz, citing constitutional restrictions under Article 9.
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Megumi Koike holds up a sign supporting article 9, the anti-war clause of Japan's constitution, during a protest in Tokyo on Sunday 3 May. Photograph: Justin McCurry/The GuardianView image in fullscreenMegumi Koike holds up a sign supporting article 9, the anti-war clause of Japan's constitution, during a protest in Tokyo on Sunday 3 May. Photograph: Justin McCurry/The GuardianJapanJapan sees largest protest in support of pacifist constitution as PM Takaichi pushes revisionsJapanese leader Sanae Takaichi has called for discussions to revise the constitution, saying it should ‘reflect the demands of the times’Justin McCurry in Tokyo Mon 4 May 2026 01.14 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleJapan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has called for “advanced discussions” on revising the…
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