Japan sees largest protest in support of pacifist constitution as PM Takaichi pushes revisions
Summary
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wants to start serious talks about changing the country’s pacifist constitution, especially the part that bans military force. Large protests took place across Japan, with many people supporting the current constitution, which has kept Japan out of wars since 1947.Key Facts
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says Japan’s constitution should be updated to meet current security challenges.
- The constitution was made by US occupation forces after World War II.
- Article 9 of the constitution prevents Japan from using military force to settle disputes.
- Takaichi and her party want to revise Article 9 to give Japan more military power, partly due to threats from North Korea and China.
- Changing the constitution requires approval by two-thirds of Japan’s parliament and a national vote.
- Polls show mixed public opinions: some support changes, others want to keep the current pacifist rules.
- About 50,000 people protested in Tokyo on Constitutional Memorial Day to keep the peace clause unchanged.
- Critics of the revision say the government should focus on healthcare, education, and jobs instead of military changes.
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