Pacifist groups from across Japan gathered near the National Diet Building in Tokyo on Thursday to protest the government's plan to acquire and deploy U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Japan's Ministry of Defense has announced that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is expediting the purchase of 400 Tomahawk missiles, with deliveries scheduled between fiscal years 2025 and 2027. The missiles are expected to be installed on JMSDF vessels as part of efforts to strengthen what the government calls its "counterstrike capability".
Representatives from civic groups in Yokosuka, Sasebo, Maizuru and Kure, all home to JMSDF bases, assembled at the Members' Office Building of the House of Councilors to voice their concerns.
"Our cities all host JMSDF bases. After surrendered in World War II, Japan adopted a pacifist Constitution and committed to a peaceful path. But now we four port cities are once again becoming naval bases centered on military priorities, as they were more than 80 years ago. The planned deployment of Tomahawk missiles makes that clear. We hope to stop it," said Niikura Hiroshi, a representative of a Yokosuka civic group.
Defense ministry data show that Japan's defense budget has risen for 13 consecutive years through fiscal 2025. The planned fiscal 2026 budget will focus on acquiring long-range missiles and attack drones for coastal defense systems. Local civic groups say they are deeply concerned about the accelerating military buildup.
"The deployment of Tomahawk missiles signals a broader national shift to military expansion. There is a high chance that the current Takaishi administration could even seek to amend the Constitution, allowing Japan to become a country capable of waging war. That is extremely serious," said Kishi Makiko, another Yokosuka civic representative.
As of Thursday, more than 30,000 residents in Yokosuka had signed a joint statement opposing the military buildup. Protesters pledged continued effort to make their voice heard through peaceful means and to block the country's military buildup.
"Even Hiroshima, a city long regarded as a symbol of peace, is experiencing growing militarization. Our generation did not live through war, but now we feel it drawing closer. I have children, and I hope they can grow up in peace. It is hard though, but creating a peaceful society for them is my heartfelt wish," said Nitta Hideki, a civic group representative from Kure.
Japan's pacifist groups protest against Tokyo's deployment of US-made Tomahawk missiles
