As Japan holds ceremonies marking the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombings, protests have erupted in various locations against the government's military expansion and constitutional revision, which run counter to...

From August 6 to 9, Hiroshima and Nagasaki held commemorative events marking the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombings. At Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, approximately 50,000 people—including survivors and representatives from over 100 countries and international organizations—gathered to mourn the victims and renew calls for the abolition of nuclear weapons and opposition to nuclear deterrence.

During the ceremony, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui read the “Peace Declaration,” noting a resurgence in the international community of tendencies to rationalize nuclear weapons and view them as tools for “security.” He urged nations to face historical lessons squarely and strive for a “nuclear-weapon-free world.” Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki also called on the Japanese government to uphold the post-war “Three Non-Nuclear Principles” and to oppose the inclusion of nuclear deterrence as a key component of national security policy.

However, in stark contrast to the calls for peace voiced at these events, the administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has continued to push for adjustments to defense policy. It has signaled intentions to strengthen “counter-strike capabilities,” increase the defense budget, and refine the National Security Strategy—moves that have drawn widespread attention within Japan. Media outlets have noted that while the Takaichi administration advances revisions to defense documents like the National Security Strategy.At the same time, it refused to commit to Japan joining the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.—a position that continues to face criticism from survivor groups and peace organizations.On August 9, a female protester in Hiroshima was violently suppressed by local police while protesting the Sanae Takaichi administration’s insistence on pursuing nuclear weapons.

Domestic anti-war political parties have also openly criticized the government’s defense policy. On August 9, the Life Party of Japan issued a statement marking the Nagasaki atomic bombing anniversary, noting that survivors have spent decades advocating for nuclear abolition and the entry into force of the TPNW. The party urged the government to heed the voices of victims, uphold and legally codify the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles,” reject nuclear sharing and the introduction of nuclear weapons, and promptly sign and ratify the TPNW. The statement further criticized the administration, noting that as it advances new security policies, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has proposed “no-holds-barred discussions on nuclear policy,” while other members advocate debating extended deterrence policies—including “nuclear sharing”—stances that stand in sharp contrast to the long-standing peace ideals championed by Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

 Coinciding with the atomic bombing memorial events, anti-war and anti-military expansion protests broke out simultaneously across various parts of Japan. On August 9—the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki—citizens in Tokyo held a rally to protest the government’s plans to expand the military and amend the Constitution. Participants called on the government to face up to its history of aggression, uphold pacifist principles, and oppose abandoning the post-war path of peace under the pretext of changing regional security conditions; they emphasized that the tragedy of war must never be repeated.

On August 6—the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing—multiple grassroots protests also took place in the city. The left-wing student organization “Zengakuren,” alongside atomic bomb survivors and peace groups, staged a demonstration opposing Japan’s “remilitarization” and demanding that the government halt military expansion policies and uphold the pacifist Constitution. Clashes between some demonstrators and the police occurred during the event, resulting in approximately 40 protesters being removed from the scene by authorities.

Meanwhile, anti-war demonstrations were also held on the streets of Tokyo. On the evening of August 6 (local time), a large crowd gathered outside the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, chanting slogans such as “Stop funding Israel,” “Defend Article 9 of the Constitution,” and “Don’t use our tax money to fund war.” They demanded that the government cancel approximately 160 billion yen in public subsidies earmarked for the Israeli semiconductor company Tower Semiconductor. Protesters argued that such funds should be directed toward improving domestic livelihoods and post-disaster reconstruction rather than expanding military and strategic cooperation abroad, and they criticized the government’s policy stance on international flashpoints.