Tokyo protesters demand Takaichi resign over military reforms

Protesters took to the streets of Tokyo on Sunday, calling for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to resign and urging the government to abandon plans to revise Japan's pacifist Constitution.

Crowds marched through the Shibuya district carrying anti-war placards, waving Japanese and Palestinian flags and chanting, "No war! No hate!"

Demonstrators argued that proposed constitutional changes and expanding military policies threatened Japan's post-war identity.

"Those who are currently turning a blind eye or are unaware of the situation, realise that our own lives are under threat and that we are facing a difficult situation," a protester said.

Another demonstrator urged the international community to oppose what he described as Japan's growing militarisation.

"Japan is turning into a nation that is rapidly expanding its military. This is the fault of Prime Minister Takaichi," he said.

A third protester criticised the prime minister's leadership.

"Takaichi's approach to politics is just terrible. I want her to govern in a way that truly brings happiness to everyone," the demonstrator said.

The protesters said revising Article 9 of Japan's Constitution, which renounces war, together with higher defence spending and expanded security powers, would weaken the country's long-standing pacifist principles.

Any amendment to Article 9 must receive the backing of at least two-thirds of members in both houses of Japan's parliament before it can be put to a national referendum.