Large Protest in Tokyo Opposes Constitutional Change, Calls for Peace

On April 19, an estimated 36,000 people gathered outside Japan's National Diet building in Tokyo to protest potential changes to the country's constitution and to call for an end to the war in Iran. The demonstration marks the largest in a series of growing rallies, which saw 3,600 participants in late February and 24,000 in late March.

Protesters carried signs with messages such as "No one should be sent to war" and "Hands off the constitution."

Background: Article 9 and the Push for Reform

The protests center on Article 9 of Japan's constitution, which renounces war as a sovereign right. The constitution was drafted by U.S. officials after World War II and has not been amended since it took effect in 1947.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have long advocated for constitutional reform. The LDP won a two-thirds majority in the lower house in February 2024, a significant threshold for initiating amendments.

In 2015, under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, legislation was passed to allow Japan to exercise collective self-defense. More recently, on April 16, the Japanese government ended a ban on the export of lethal weapons.

Voices from the Protest and Analysis

Protesters stated they were demonstrating to protect the constitution and maintain peace. Many expressed concern that constitutional changes could involve Japan in overseas conflicts.

Prime Minister Takaichi has stated that "the time has come" for constitutional reform, describing it as a long-term goal for the LDP.

Koichi Nakano, a political science professor, offered analysis, suggesting the war in Iran has led more people to view Article 9 as a safeguard against Japan's involvement in conflict.

Demographics and the Amendment Process

An analysis by Kyodo News of an April 8 rally found participants were primarily in their 30s, with over 20% in their 20s, and 60% were women.

Amending the constitution is a high bar to clear: it requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament and a simple majority in a national referendum.