On April 24, people in Tokyo, Japan, took to the streets to protest Japan’s loosening of restrictions on arms exports.
Recently, the Japanese government passed a cabinet resolution, completing the revision of the “Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment” and its operational guidelines, in principle allowing the export of lethal weapons abroad.
Tokyo resident Sawada Ryozo: I am 74 years old. Since I was a child, what I have been most proud of about Japan is that we renounced war. We promised never to go to war again, and therefore cannot have an army. This principle is clearly written into the constitution. Although there have always been attempts to overturn it, we have upheld it for 80 years. This is what I am most proud of about Japan. Thinking that we are now going to manufacture weapons to sell to other countries—this humiliation is unbearable.
Tokyo resident Masako: The fact that they really decided to export weapons is terrifying. I kept thinking, this is completely impossible, absolutely not allowed. I simply cannot accept it. Our Japan once made serious mistakes. The current Japanese constitution should have been the result of reflection. I always feel that the Liberal Democratic Party has never truly reflected, but we must sincerely reflect and truly protect human rights and peace.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a sprawling metropolis that blends ultramodern innovation with deep historical roots. Originally a small fishing village named Edo, it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603 and was renamed Tokyo (“Eastern Capital”) when Emperor Meiji moved the imperial court there in 1868. Today, it is a global hub for culture, technology, and commerce, featuring landmarks like the historic Senso-ji Temple alongside the futuristic Shibuya Crossing.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia known for its rich cultural heritage blending ancient traditions with modern innovation. Its history spans thousands of years, from early feudal periods ruled by samurai and shoguns to rapid industrialization during the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century. Today, Japan is famous for its temples, shrines, tea ceremonies, and global contributions to technology and pop culture.
Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment
The “Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment” is a Japanese policy established in 2014 to replace the previous 1967 ban on arms exports. It allows Japan to transfer defense equipment and technology for peaceful purposes, international cooperation, and security partnerships, while prohibiting transfers to countries involved in conflicts or violating UN resolutions. This policy marked a significant shift in Japan’s post-World War II pacifist stance, enabling it to participate more actively in global defense and security collaborations.
Japanese constitution
The Japanese Constitution, formally known as the Constitution of Japan, was enacted on May 3, 1947, following World War II. It replaced the Meiji Constitution and was largely influenced by the Allied occupation, notably renouncing war as a sovereign right and establishing a parliamentary system with the Emperor as a symbolic figurehead. This document remains a cornerstone of modern Japan, emphasizing pacifism, human rights, and democratic governance.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, began as a small fishing village called Edo before becoming the political center of the Tokugawa shogunate in
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that blends ultramodern skyscrapers with historic temples and shrines. Originally a small fishing village named Edo, it became the political center of Japan in the early 17th century under the Tokugawa shogunate, and was renamed Tokyo (“Eastern Capital”) after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Today, it is a global hub for technology, culture, and cuisine, offering a unique fusion of tradition and innovation.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia with a rich history dating back thousands of years, from its early imperial court and samurai warrior culture to periods of isolation and rapid modernization. Its cultural heritage is renowned for traditional arts like tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and kabuki theater, as well as iconic landmarks such as ancient temples, shrines, and Mount Fuji. Today, Japan is a global leader in technology and pop culture, blending its deep-rooted traditions with cutting-edge innovation.
Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment
The “Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment” is a Japanese policy established in 2014 that replaced a more restrictive 1967 ban on arms exports. It allows Japan to export defense equipment and technology under strict conditions, such as when it contributes to international peace and security or supports joint development with allies like the United States. This shift marked a significant change in Japan’s post-World War II pacifist stance, reflecting its growing role in global security cooperation.
Japanese constitution
The Japanese Constitution, formally enacted in 1947, is the supreme law of Japan, drafted during the Allied occupation after World War II. Notably, its Article 9 renounces war and prohibits the maintenance of offensive military forces, reflecting the nation’s commitment to pacifism. This document replaced the Meiji Constitution of 1889 and has remained largely unchanged, shaping Japan’s modern democratic government and legal system.
Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple, located in Asakusa, and is dedicated to the Buddhist bodhisattva Kannon. According to legend, it was founded in 628 AD after two fishermen found a golden statue of Kannon in the Sumida River. The temple was largely destroyed during World War II but was faithfully rebuilt and remains a vibrant symbol of Tokyo’s cultural heritage.
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing, located in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections, known for its iconic scramble crossing where dozens of people cross from all directions at once. Its history dates back to the early 20th century when it developed as a railway hub, but it gained global fame in the post-war era as a symbol of Tokyo’s rapid modernization and youth culture. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural landmark, often featured in films and media as a representation of urban energy.
Meiji Restoration
The Meiji Restoration was a pivotal period in Japanese history from 1868 to 1912, during which the Meiji Emperor was restored to power, ending over 260 years of feudal rule under the Tokugawa shogunate. This transformative era saw rapid modernization and Westernization, including industrialization, military reform, and the adoption of new technologies and political systems. The restoration fundamentally reshaped Japan into a global power, setting the stage for its emergence as a modern nation-state by the early 20th century.
Meiji Constitution
The Meiji Constitution, formally known as the Constitution of the Empire of Japan, was promulgated in 1889 and enacted in 1890. It established a constitutional monarchy that granted the Emperor supreme political power while creating a bicameral parliament (the Diet) with limited legislative authority. This document marked Japan’s transition from a feudal society to a modern state, but its ambiguous balance of power ultimately allowed militarists to co-opt imperial authority, leading to Japan’s aggressive expansion in the early 20th century.
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