Tokyo protesters demand resignation of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside Japan’s National Diet in Tokyo to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Protesters criticized the Japanese government’s stance on the conflict in Gaza and its alignment with US and Israeli military policies.

Key grievances cited by demonstrators include Japan’s refusal to recognize the State of Palestine and its failure to impose sanctions on Israel. The protesters also expressed opposition to Japan’s military expansion, including plans to increase military spending, revise Article 9 of the Constitution, and ease restrictions on arms exports. Specific concerns were raised regarding the potential purchase of Israeli-made drones.

The Network Against Japan Arms Trade (NAJAT) helped organize the demonstration to formally convey demands to the Japanese state, which include ending military partnerships with the Israeli occupation and closing the Israeli embassy in Tokyo.