A group of Japanese citizens held a study session in Tokyo on Saturday, expressing deep concern over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's intentions to amend the country's pacifist constitution and criticizing her erroneous remarks on Taiwan.
Following the general election, Takaichi, who also serves as president of the Liberal Democratic Party, signaled a move toward constitutional revision, stating that conditions should be created for an early national referendum on amending the Constitution. The remarks have sparked concern among the public.
At the event, Social Democratic Party leader Mizuho Fukushima voiced strong opposition to the proposed revision of Japan’s pacifist constitution.
"I think Sanae Takaichi would do anything. I have a strong sense of crisis about this. No matter what, we must not allow Article 9 of Japan's pacifist constitution to be revised. I hope everyone will make real efforts for this," she said.
Beyond the proposed constitutional revision, participants at the meeting also criticized Takaichi's erroneous remarks on China's Taiwan region.
"When Takaichi made those erroneous remarks, I felt a shiver down my spine and wondered how someone could think that way. Everyone gathered here today shares the same feeling," a participant said.
"I feel very sorry (about her erroneous remarks). She should retract those words," another participant said.
In early November 2025, Takaichi said a "Taiwan contingency" could constitute what she called a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, remarks that many critics say reflect nostalgia for Japan's colonial past and an attempt to weaponize the Taiwan issue against China.
Japanese citizens voice concern over Takaichi's push for constitutional revision
Japanese citizens voice concern over Takaichi's push for constitutional revision
