Multiple Japanese civic groups submitted a petition in Tokyo on Friday, voicing strong doubts and dissatisfaction with the Japanese government's continued expansion of defense budgets and military buildups.
A total of 41 civic groups from Okinawa, Kyushu and other regions of Japan gathered at the Members' Office Building of the House of Councilors, exchange views with officials from Japan Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other authorities.
During the exchanges, representatives of the civic groups expressed deep concerns over Japan's military buildups, particularly the expansion of military facilities in Okinawa and surrounding areas.
"The Japanese government refers to offensive capabilities as 'counterstrike capabilities,' but they are in essence capabilities for launching preemptive strikes. I believe this is unconstitutional. Such moves will only heighten tensions with neighboring countries, So I hope the government stops this practice," said Hayako Shimizu, a representative of a civic group from Okinawa Prefecture.
Japan's Defense Ministry plans to request a record-high budget of about 8.9 trillion yen (around 56 billion U.S. dollars) for fiscal 2027, local media reported in August.
According to the report, key spending areas include further deploying long-range missiles with what Japan calls "counterstrike capabilities."
The representatives voiced sharp criticisms of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's defense policy, opposing the development and deployment of long-range missiles, and the relaxation of restrictions on arms exports.
"I believe Japan has taken a drastic turn and veered into the wrong path in its national development," said Mayumi Kureha, a representative of a civic group from Kyoto Prefecture.
"Takaichi actually said 'I have not lived through wartime, so I have nothing to reflect on.' The prime minister who made such a statement, and the defense minister under this kind of thinking are now constantly pushing for military expansion. I am furious about it. We must find ways to stop this situation," said Toshihiro Ikeda, civic group representative from Oita Prefecture.
Japanese civic groups submit petition against gov't military expansion
Japanese civic groups submit petition against gov't military expansion
