Arab News Japan

YOKOSUKA, Japan — Anti-war activists gathered outside the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka for their monthly protest, undeterred by persistent rain following Typhoon No. 7.

Protesters displayed banners opposing a reported plan by U.S. defense firm Anduril Industries to acquire Nissan Motor Co.’s Oppama Plant in Kanagawa Prefecture and convert it into a military drone manufacturing facility. Reports indicate that Anduril aims to establish a domestic production base in Japan, potentially rehiring former plant employees and supplying drones to the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

If the acquisition proceeds, an automobile factory that once fueled Japan’s postwar economic growth will become a defense facility. Organizers argue this shift symbolically undermines Japan’s identity as a peace-oriented nation. They further contend the project violates Article 8 of the 1950 Former Naval Port Cities Conversion Law, which was intended to transform former naval ports like Yokosuka into peaceful industrial and commercial hubs. The group plans to submit a formal statement of opposition to Yokosuka Mayor Katsuaki Kamiji in the coming days.

Hiroshi Niikura of the Non-Nuclear Citizens’ Declaration Movement Yokosuka noted that the group had suspended its “Silent Standing” campaign—active since March 9—following a reported U.S.-Iran agreement to provisionally end hostilities. However, he stated the campaign may resume if the international situation deteriorates.

Additionally, the organization announced that Veterans For Peace, a U.S.-based group of military veterans and supporters, will visit Japan for the tenth time on September 27. The group plans to hold a public gathering in Yokosuka during its visit.