Peace and Nonviolence
Protests grow as government support declines

Japan: 36,000 people rally in Tokyo to defend the pacifist Constitution

On April 19, demonstrations took place across the country against the government's attempt to revise Article 9. A mother said, "I want to express my opposition; the Constitution we have always protected is at risk of disappearing."
20 April 2026
Redazione PeaceLink

Nationwide protests include 36,000 at Diet to protect Article 9 By SATSUKI TANAHASHI

Once again, on April 19, protests took to the streets across Japan to oppose the government's plans to amend the Constitution's anti-war clause. Tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Diet building in Tokyo, the country's political heart.

Around 36,000 citizens gathered in front of the parliament building for a joint protest organized by two major civic committees: "9 Jo Kaiken No! Zenkoku Shimin Action" (National Citizen Action to Stop the Revision of Article 9 of the Constitution) and "Senso Sasenai, 9 Jo Kowasuna! Sogakari Kodo Jikko Iinkai" (Executive Committee to Stop the War and Protect Article 9 of the Constitution).

Protesters held signs reading "No to war" and "The Takaichi government should respect the Constitution," raising their voices in opposition.

Among the crowd, a 52-year-old Tokyo resident, present with her 7-year-old son, said it was her first time attending a protest. "I'm anxious about Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government's moves to push forward with constitutional revisions and lift the ban on arms exports," she said. "I fear Japan could be drawn into a war. The pacifist Constitution we have always cherished is in danger of disappearing. I want to express my opposition by participating in this protest."

Recent opinion polls indicate declining approval of the Japanese government.

Parole chiave: japan, pacifists, albert

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