Japanese citizens hold protest rally against Kaohsiung's military expansion and constitutional amendment moves.

Recently, Japanese media revealed that the budget proposal for Japan's defense spending in the fiscal year 2027 is expected to reach a total budget of 10 trillion yen. On the 19th, Japanese citizens held a protest rally in front of the National Diet Building, opposing the Kishi administration's increase in defense spending.

Protest participant: I hate all policies that lead to war because spending money in these areas feels like we are rushing headlong into war. I want this practice to stop. Japan is already facing various disasters like heavy rain and earthquakes; instead of using money for these issues, it is being allocated to military spending and related fields. I really hope this stops.

Protest participant: This is absolutely outrageous. This budget should be used for social security, not just social security, but also for those who are truly struggling in life. It is really unacceptable.

Some participants in the rally also expressed opposition to the Kishi administration's active push to amend the constitution.

Protest participant: Ultimately, we oppose war and hope to protect Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution. Moreover, Japan was once an aggressor, and it is based on reflecting on this history that the current Article 9 was formed. That person (Kishi Sanae) has previously used various word games to deny Japan's history of waging aggressive wars; she has made such statements. So it feels to me like someone who should not be prime minister has become one. Therefore, my hope is that she will resign as soon as possible.

Protest participant: She is full of lies, a prime minister who is unwilling to engage in dialogue with us, mocking the public. My initial thought is that I hope war does not happen. I have two grandsons, and I absolutely do not want them to go to the battlefield, which is why I came to protest.