Tens Of Thousands Of Japanese Protest Against ‘War Law’

Similar rallies were held across Japan, with around 25,000 gathering in a park in the western city of Osaka, according to the organizer.

Various groups organized the demonstrations. “People realized that the opposition looks immature to handle all of Japan’s issues, including the economy”.

The legislation is comprised of two bills.

“The difference stems from Japan’s apolitical post-World War II society, the lack of political diversity, and affluence, which decreases incentive to be politically active and knowledgeable”, he said. The USA has encouraged Tokyo to remilitarize as part of its “pivot to Asia”-a comprehensive strategy aimed at undermining Chinese influence throughout the region and militarily encircling China”.

“Use of force is restricted to a necessary minimum”.

Among the protesters were Japanese musician and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto and opposition party leaders including Katsuya Okada, head of the Democratic Party of Japan. “As moms, ladies maybe have a stronger sense of disaster than males”.

“I’m not so sure they were that massive, actually”, said Chris Hughes, professor of Japanese studies at University of Warwick.

Japan and China are now embroiled in a dispute over the ownership of a chain of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. The Island Chain is close to ocean territory claimed by Beijing.

Both the 1960 protests and the one on Sunday dealt with a prime minister trying to push through security legislation unpopular with many Japanese.

Abe’s defence efforts have also provoked unease in China and South Korea, which were victims of Japan’s aggressive military campaigns through the end of World War II.

In the Japan Times, Michio Yamada, 75, recounted the experience of the devastating United States fire-bombing of Tokyo in 1945.

“No more wars.” “Retreat the security bills”. “We should never let it happen again”.

“It is the government’s responsibility to protect the lives of Japanese people and their peaceful living”, Suga said. “I feel our voices are neglected by the Abe government”. The Japanese are also interested in putting more long-range weapons within reach of disputed islands, and beefing up a flexible, fast-response amphibious assault force. It collected almost 20,000 signatures of people opposed to the legislation, which representatives tried unsuccessfully to submit to Mr Abe’s office last Friday.

The presence of school college students within the protests, together with a gaggle referred to as SEALDs, or College students Emergency Motion for Liberal Democracy, has additionally captured media consideration this summer time.

Officially, Japan does not have an army, and its troops are known only as the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

The budget proposal follows a pattern set by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.