A Japanese civic group voiced strong concern about the 2026 draft budget bill approved by Japan's lower house on Friday evening with the backing of the ruling coalition's super majority.
The total size of the draft budget exceeds 122.31 trillion yen (about 769 billion U.S. dollars), marking a record high, with the defense budget also setting a new record of more than 9 trillion yen for the first time. The proposal has sparked ongoing debate in Japan since the government unveiled the draft late last year.
Members from the Sino-Japanese Oral History and Culture Research Association said that considering the complex and turbulent international situation, Japan should uphold its pacifist constitution, focus on safeguarding its people's well-being, and reject the dangerous course of military expansion.
"I believe this is a very serious issue. Article 9 of the Constitution has enabled Japan to maintain peace and avoid going to war with other countries. Yet, the Japanese government is attempting to gradually erode the framework, progressively weakening its constraints," said Takeshi Mori, a member of the association.
Hyoue Katayama, another member from the association, expressed his opposition against the high defense spending.
"I think the defense budget is excessive. Facing a major demographic challenge with a declining birthrate and aging population, Japan must prioritize ensuring the future welfare of its young people. I oppose allocating such large funds to defense," he said.
"The national budget directly impacts our lives. I believe the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has prioritized military spending over public welfare, which is a very serious problem," said Makoto Kato, also a member of the association.
Japanese civic group criticizes Japan's draft budget bill, warns against military expansion
