Observers say Takaichi's remarks prepare Japan for war

Two Japanese observers criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for her recent erroneous remarks on China's Taiwan, saying her inflammatory remarks in fact aim to build support for war.

Sadako Yonamine, a member of a Japanese civilian group, said she believes Takaichi seeks to bring Japan back to the course of militarism and imperialism.

"I have an extremely strong sense of crisis regarding Takaichi's statements. In my view, these are remarks that prepare for the launch of war, and I feel extremely uneasy. Initially, what was established was the National Police Reserve, has gradually evolved into the Self-defense Forces, and now it has effectively become an army. It can no longer be called the Self-defense forces. This situation obviously violates the Constitution. A defeated nation should not possess an army. There are also relevant provisions in the current United Nations that do not permit defeated nations to maintain armies. Takaichi attempts to return to the prewar path of militarism and imperialism, and I think she is a very dangerous person," Yonamine said. Masayuki Sokei, another civilian group member, said Takaichi's remarks demonstrate that she had not reflected on Japan's history of aggression.

"Takaichi must retract her remarks and return to the path of peace and Japan-China friendship. I hope she will step down immediately. She is a very dangerous person, and I don't know what she will eventually do. I believe that Takaichi did not misspeak, but rather that she fundamentally holds these views, and they inadvertently slipped out. In a certain sense, it can be described as 'finally saying it out loud', which indicates she has no remorse whatsoever for the wars of aggression in the past," Sokei said.

At a Diet (parliament) meeting on Nov. 7, 2025, Takaichi claimed that the Chinese mainland's "use of force on Taiwan" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, which has immediately drawn strong criticism at home and abroad.

Takaichi showed no remorse, refused to retract her erroneous remarks, and even continued to defend herself on various occasions.

Observers say Takaichi's remarks prepare Japan for war

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he is considering "winding down" the U.S. military strikes against Iran, claiming the United States is "getting very close to" meeting its objectives.

"We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East" with respect to Iran, Trump said on Truth Social.

The objectives Trump outlined include degrading Iran's missile capabilities, destroying its defense industrial base, eliminating its navy and air force, preventing it from ever approaching nuclear capability and protecting U.S. allies across the region.

Also on Friday, Trump said that he does not want a ceasefire with Iran.

"We can have dialogue, but you know, I don't want to do a ceasefire," Trump told reporters before he departed the White House for Florida, noting "You don't do a ceasefire when you're literally obliterating the other side."

"U.S. government says one thing, reality says another," Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday on X, questioning White House's repeated claims that Iran's air defenses and Navy have been destroyed.

Trump on Truth Social also said that the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy waterway, should be secured by the countries that rely on it and Washington would assist if asked.

"The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it -- The United States does not! If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn't be necessary once Iran's threat is eradicated," Trump added.

The United States and Israel launched joint military strikes on Iran on Feb 28, disrupting global shipping, sending oil prices soaring and shaking the global economy.

Trump says considering "winding down" strikes on Iran