A group of Japanese farmers gathered in Tokyo on Friday to voice their opposition against the government's plans to increase defense spending and ease weapons export controls.
They also urged the government to improve the business environment for agriculture and ensure food security and the people’s well-being.
The gathering was held at the parliament building in Tokyo.
"Today, the Takaichi government is not only expanding military buildup, but also exporting military equipment to other countries, while simultaneously increasing its defense budget. This clearly indicates that Japan is moving in a direction that endangers peace. In contrast, I believe that true national security lies in food security. The most important thing is to ensure our people do not go hungry," said Yoichi Koshikawa, a farmer from neighboring Chiba Prefecture.
Farmers also questioned Japan's defense cooperation with the United States, focusing on the cost of relying on American hardware.
"Concepts like 'deter external pressure with missiles' actually do not work at all. Starting from maintenance, all that money eventually flows straight to the United States. By doing so, it does nothing to protect ordinary people," said Takaeshi Ogura, another farmer from Chiba.
The gathering came amid growing public anxiety over the cost of living, with participants warning that defense spending is draining resources from economic relief.
"While everyday life remains sustainable for now, prices are rising sharply. This is undeniably a failure of the government, I think. Compared to wars, it is far more vital that every person can feed themselves and live a well-off life," said a participant.
Academic experts at the gathering warned that Japan's departure from its post-war pacifist posture is accelerating dangerously.
"Ultimately, rather than a defensive force, it is actually about military force. The government is forcibly pushing society into a direction that relies entirely on military power. In the past, there were some checks and balances. However, these constraints are being dismantled bit by bit. Since the Liberal Democratic Party took power, especially after the Abe administration, this trend has become increasingly clear. I believe the current administration is accelerating it further, and for that reason, I think the situation has become highly dangerous," said Koichi Ikegami, a professor emeritus at Kindai University.
Ikegami cited recent defense export deals as examples of policies that could backfire on Japan's security.
"Japan has already decided to export second-hand naval vessels to the Philippines. Doing such things will only draw opposition from other nations and escalate risks, ultimately undermining efforts to maintain peace," Ikegami said.
Japanese farmers gather in Tokyo to oppose increase in defense budget
Japanese farmers gather in Tokyo to oppose increase in defense budget
