Yesterday afternoon (Dec 25), dozens of protesters gathered in front of the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters in Tokyo, voicing strong opposition to the ruling coalition's plan to ease Japan's arms export restrictions. ✊
They held placards reading 'Don't sell Made in Japan weapons', 'No war', and 'Firmly oppose weapons exports', urging the LDP and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, to scrap the proposal ASAP. 🛑
Yoko Sugiura, one of the protesters, told Xinhua that the current five-category rule helps curb lethal arms exports. She warned that removing these limits could put Japanese-made weapons in conflict zones abroad, risking lives far from home. 🙏
An anonymous attendee added, 'Japan is meant to be a nation that shuns war, yet its leaders are rewriting laws to export battle-ready weapons. That's absolutely wrong and unacceptable.'
Representatives then submitted a petition to the LDP, demanding an immediate halt to any work on abolishing the five-category restriction.
Under the current system, Japan only exports defense gear in five nonlethal categories: rescue, transport, detection, surveillance, and minesweeping. 🚒🚁
Back on Dec 15, the ruling coalition agreed to revise the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, removing this five-category cap. The change is slated for a cabinet vote in February 2026, a move already sparking concern and criticism nationwide. ⚖️
With debates heating up, many are watching closely to see if Japan will stick to its pacifist roots or shift toward a broader defense role. Stay tuned for updates! 🔍
Reference(s):
Japanese rally against ruling coalition's plan to ease arms export
cgtn.com
