Large numbers of Tokyo residents rallied in front of Shinjuku Station on Saturday to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan, warning that her comments and her administration's push for military expansion risk drawing Japan into a war.
Takaichi claimed during a Diet meeting on Nov 7, 2025, that the Chinese mainland's "use of force on Taiwan" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, a remark that immediately drew strong criticism at home and abroad.
"Takaichi's remarks that a Taiwan emergency could constitute a 'survival-threatening situation' clearly point to a government leaning toward war. We must stand up and voice our opposition," a protester said.
Another protester accused the government of deliberately steering Japan toward conflict.
"I believe the Japanese government is preparing for war, constantly revising laws and conducting military exercises. We stand against this. Despite knowing that China will respond forcefully, they continue to make such statements intentionally -- their true intention is to push for war," she said.
Protesters also expressed strong opposition to the Japanese government's continuous increase in defense spending and its aggressive military agenda.
"Upon taking office, the Takaichi government immediately pledged to increase defense spending to 2 percent of GDP, and now it even seeks to boost it to 3.5 or even 5 percent. It is clear that Japan is the one truly seeking to start a war," one of the demonstrators said.
Others cited Japan's wartime history in Asia.
"After all, Japan had invaded the Korea Peninsula, the Taiwan region, and China. Simply expressing opposition to war is not enough; we need concrete actions to prevent it. Otherwise, the Japanese army could very well cause bloodshed again in Asia. We feel a profound sense of crisis about this," a protester said.
Tokyo residents rally over Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks, warn Japan is being pushed toward war
