Japanese Citizens Gather to Oppose U.S. Military Base Construction and Constitutional Amendments for Military Expansion

Against the backdrop of Japan's recent political shift to the right, on the 27th, people from Tokyo, Okinawa, and other areas gathered in Tokyo to oppose the construction of the U.S. military base in Henoko and to resist Japan's constitutional revision and military expansion trends.

On that day, participants called for the cessation of the construction plan for the U.S. military base in Henoko, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture, pointing out that the concentration of U.S. military facilities in Japan places a heavy burden on local society and the environment. Moreover, in the context of the current strengthening of the U.S.-Japan security system, further enhancing Okinawa's frontline position in military strategy is concerning.

Speaker at the rally, Okuma Masanori: With the establishment of the Takagi administration, Japan's preparations for war have indeed begun. If we, the citizens, do not truly raise our voices, no issues will be resolved. This sense of crisis is intensifying, and Okinawa could really be treated as a battlefield, which is a very frightening thing. Therefore, we cannot give up; we must continue to speak out, and I believe this is very important.

In addition, discussions surrounding Japan's constitutional revision and military expansion also became important topics at the rally. Participants expressed that Japan has long adhered to a development path based on a peaceful constitution since the post-war period, and the current political trends regarding constitutional revision and military expansion are indeed worthy of vigilance.

Representative of Japanese civic groups, Kato Yoshiko: The people of Okinawa say, "Okinawa does not need bases," and in addition, this is a serious destruction of the natural environment. These issues are very prominent, and we still hope to build a society without war.

Participant at the rally: History has repeatedly proven that military force absolutely cannot protect peace. Since the post-war period, Japan has not been involved in war, and I believe this is because it has adhered to the peaceful constitution and the concept of peace. In my view, if the peaceful constitution is changed, it is the first step in leading the country from peace to war; therefore, we are determined to resist this trend.