On Sunday, an estimated 36,000 people gathered in front of Japan’s National Diet to protest the government’s decision to scrap the ban on lethal weapons exports, marking the largest demonstration yet in a growing movement to defend the country’s pacifist constitution.
The protest, held in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, featured demonstrators ranging from university students to families with children, many carrying handmade signs and light sticks. Among them was Gohta Hashimoto, a 22-year-old university student who brought a lightsaber as a symbolic gesture. “I’ve been interested in the constitution for about a year, ever since the rise of far-right parties in Japan,” Hashimoto said. “I wanted to be part of a movement that keeps my country peaceful and protects the constitution.”
The government’s decision to lift the export ban came on Tuesday, April 15, 2026, when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet approved fresh guidelines allowing the export of fighter jets, missiles, and destroyers. This reverses decades of post-World War II restrictions that had limited arms exports to non-lethal items such as rescue equipment, transport vehicles, and surveillance systems. The change represents the first major alteration to Japan’s pacifist stance since the constitution was drafted under U.S. Occupation in 1947.
Critics argue the shift violates Article 9 of the constitution, which renounces war as a sovereign right and prohibits maintaining military forces for war potential. Protesters like Yuri Hioki voiced concerns that the change could draw Japan into foreign conflicts. “The constitution enables us to stay out of America’s wars, including in this region,” Hioki said at the rally. “The thought that might change makes me really angry.”
Supporters of the policy change, including government officials, contend it is necessary for national security amid rising regional tensions. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated the new policy would “ensure safety for Japan and further contribute to the peace and stability in the region and the international society.” The government maintains that exports will be limited to 17 countries with existing defense agreements and will not be sent to nations currently engaged in active warfare.
The protest movement has grown rapidly, with demonstrations increasing from 3,600 participants in late February to 24,000 by late March before reaching 36,000 on Sunday. Demonstrations have centered on Nagatacho, Tokyo’s political district, near where the constitution was originally drafted under General Douglas MacArthur’s supervision.
While the government frames the policy as a defensive measure, opponents warn it risks escalating regional tensions and undermining Japan’s longstanding pacifist identity. The debate highlights a generational divide, with younger citizens increasingly active in defending the postwar order against what they perceive as excessive alignment with U.S. Strategic interests.
What specific weapons will Japan now be allowed to export under the new policy?
Under the new guidelines approved by Japan’s Cabinet, the country will be permitted to export lethal weapons including fighter jets, missiles, and destroyers. This represents a significant expansion from previous restrictions that limited exports to non-lethal items such as rescue equipment, transport vehicles, alert systems, surveillance technology, and minesweeping gear.
How does the government justify changing a policy that has been in place since World War II?
Government officials argue the change is necessary to address evolving security challenges in the region. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated the policy would “ensure safety for Japan and further contribute to the peace and stability in the region and the international society.” The government maintains that exports will be restricted to 17 countries with existing defense agreements and will not be sent to nations currently engaged in active warfare.
