Arab News Japan

TOKYO: A protest consisting of around 1,000 demonstrators from the radical left movement, the Great March, on Sunday rallied against TAKAICHI Sanae, the new elected president of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and is likely to be named prime minister around Oct.15.

The protesters criticized Takaichi for her “perceived historical revisionism, particularly her controversial statements regarding Japan’s wartime actions and her intentions for military expansion through increased defense spending, as well as her xenophobic remarks.”

The demonstrators marched along Omotesando Avenue toward Shibuya, two popular trendy shopping areas in central Tokyo. They chanted slogans against United States President Donald Trump, condemned Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians, and expressed their concerns about Takaichi’s “plans for initiating a conflict with China, fearing it could lead to a regional war with devastating consequences.”

In speeches prior to the demonstration, activists criticized US Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth for reportedly urging his senior military officers to prepare for all-out war. The protesters, who said they are committed to peace, also expressed concern that such a war “initiated by the United States” could extend to Japan, especially with the deployment of missiles capable of easily reaching China.

Protesters held up banners that stated, “Abolish the Japan-US Security Treaty! Overthrow Imperialism” and “Remove Trump and Takaichi.”