Academics and Politicians in Japan Oppose Government's Intent to Expand Military and Amend Constitution
On the 13th, Japanese scholars, politicians, and others held an exchange meeting at the House of Councillors in Tokyo to oppose the Japanese government's intentions to expand the military and amend the constitution, calling on the government to adhere to the "Peace Constitution."
Japanese House of Councillors member Yoshiko Kira: Currently, the Takagi government is trying to push a path that could lead the country to war, including intentions to amend the constitution. They want to forcibly transform Japan into a country capable of waging war, which cannot be ignored. In such circumstances, people's sense of crisis is becoming increasingly strong. Just a few days ago, on March 10, a rally to protect the "Peace Constitution" was held in front of the National Diet, where about 8,000 people gathered, shouting "Oppose war, protect the constitution."
Participants in the exchange meeting pointed out that excessively high defense budgets will squeeze Japan's budgets for social security, education, and other areas, harming the quality of life for the public.
Emeritus Professor Ikue Nonaka of Meiji University: The government is now proposing to raise the defense budget to 2% or even 3% of GDP. There is only so much fiscal revenue, and as a result, the social security budget will have to be cut, and the education budget will also be affected. I just mentioned the issue of technology and innovation; the research capabilities of Japanese universities have already declined significantly. In many fields, Japan was once a world leader, but now it is almost impossible to enter the rankings. The biggest reason is that the budget allocated for research and university funding is insufficient. In this situation, if the defense budget is further expanded, it will only make matters worse; not only will research capabilities decline further, but social security will also not receive adequate support, and people will have to endure a more difficult life.
On March 13, Japanese scholars and politicians gathered in Tokyo to oppose the government's plans for military expansion and constitutional amendments, urging adherence to the 'peace constitution'. They expressed concerns about the potential societal impacts of increased defense spending, which could affect social welfare and education budgets. A rally on March 10 saw around 8000 participants advocating for the protection of the constitution.
- Japanese scholars and politicians held a meeting in Tokyo to oppose government military expansion.
- They called for adherence to the 'peace constitution'.
- Concerns were raised about the impact of increased defense budgets on social welfare and education.
- Approximately 8000 people gathered at a rally on March 10 to protect the 'peace constitution'.
- The government plans to increase defense spending to 2% or 3% of GDP.