Thousands Protest in Tokyo Against PM Suga's Policies on Missile Deployment and Arms Exports

Tokyo. Approximately 10,000 people gathered in central Tokyo to protest policies advanced by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's administration, including missile deployment and easing restrictions on lethal arms exports.

Despite the cold weather, demonstrators outside Japan's National Diet (parliament) building carried placards reading "No War" and "Stop Trampling the Constitution."

They also collectively read Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, reaffirming their commitment to the country's pacifist principles. Compared to previous protests, this rally saw a large number of young participants.

One demonstrator, Aya Yasui, expressed concern over the recent deployment of long-range missile launchers by Japan's Ministry of Defense in Kumamoto Prefecture.