Japan: Japanese protesters oppose military expansion, constitutional change.

Shotlist Tokyo, Japan - July 12, 2026 1. Various of rally in progress, banners; protesters holding placards 2. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Protester (name not given/partially overlaid with shot 3): "I certainly do not want Japan to move toward war. National tax money should go toward enriching people's lives, not be prioritized for so-called defense spending. I find that completely unacceptable." SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE 3. Protester holding placard SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE 4. Various of placards 5. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Protester (name not given/starting with shot 4): "We must absolutely stop [any attempts to revise the Peace Constitution]. Such things must never happen. Article 9 and the entire constitution are crucial for citizens, and I want it to be preserved." 6. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Protester (name not given/ending with shot 7): "Japan went to war in the past and caused a great deal of suffering, and then the nation reflected and drafted the constitution. So, we should strictly follow the Constitution. For us, protecting the constitution will also ensure a happier future." 7. Protesters holding placards Storyline Residents in Tokyo's Shibuya district rallied on Sunday to protest the Japanese government's push for military expansion and constitutional revision, expressing concern about a shift away from the nation's postwar peaceful path. "I certainly do not want Japan to move toward war. National tax money should go toward enriching people's lives, not be prioritized for so-called defense spending. I find that completely unacceptable," said one participant. Participants noted that Japan's constitution was crafted after deep reflection on wartime history, with Article 9 in particular and other provisions holding unique significance. Recent government policies and repeated attempts to revise the Peace Constitution have stoked feelings of crisis among ordinary citizens. "We must absolutely stop [any attempts to revise the Peace Constitution]. Such things must never happen. Article 9 and the entire constitution are crucial for citizens, and I want it to be preserved," said one attendee. "Japan went to war in the past and caused a great deal of suffering, and then the nation reflected and drafted the constitution. So, we should strictly follow the Constitution. For us, protecting the constitution will also ensure a happier future," another protester said. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]