Japan Press Weekly

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2023 April 26 - May 9 [POLITICS]

'Defend pacifist Constitution!' Demand of 25,000 citizens at Tokyo park

"Defend the pacifist Constitution!" The call resounded throughout many locations in Japan on May 3, the day commemorating the 76th anniversary of the enforcement of the postwar Constitution. About 25,000 citizens took part in a Tokyo rally.

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo at the Tokyo rally gave a speech in solidarity along with representatives from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, the "Reiwa Shinsenguni" party, and the Social Democratic Party. JCP Secretariate Head Koike Akira joined in the demonstration which was held after the rally.

Shii in his speech said, "Our party is opposed to the Kishida government attempt to dramatically increase Japan's military capabilities. Putting aside differences in political affiliation, let us work together to develop a nationwide movement to protect the Constitution!" He called on participants, "Peace, not war! Let us unite to establish a true peace!", receiving a burst of applause.

A woman in her 40s who came to the Tokyo rally with her 6-year-old child said, "The present government seems to prioritize the economy and the major military buildup over our livelihoods. Feeling a sense of crisis, I decided to participate in this rally."

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Meanwhile, constitutional revisionists held another rally in Tokyo. Prime Minister Kishida Fumio sent a video message in which he promised to make efforts to boost the momentum to enact amendments to the Constitution.

"Nippon Ishin no Kai" party policy chief Otokita Shun at this rally urged the ruling parties to accelerate discussions on constitutional revision by saying, "It's time to address this issue head-on and reach a conclusion on the issue of revision of the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution."

Tamaki Yuichiro, head of the Democratic Party for the People, demanded that the removal of Clause 2 of Article 9 which denies Japan's possession of war potential and the right to belligerency be discussed at the Lower House Commission on the Constitution.