Approximately 9,000 People Protest Against the Takaichi Administration in Front of the National Diet, Youth and Others Call to Protect the Constitution

Key points

On the evening of October 30, 2026, a protest demonstration was held in front of the main gate of the National Diet in Nagatacho, Tokyo, organized by the citizen group "WE WANT OUR FUTURE," with about 9,000 participants. The participants expressed concerns and dissatisfaction with the policies of the Takaichi Sanae administration, declaring, "We protest against this chaotic politics." The demonstration was broadcast online, attracting about 22,000 viewers. Youth, students, women, scholars, and lawyers gave speeches, and there were moments when constitutional articles were read aloud. [1] [5]

Approximately 9,000 People Held a Protest Demonstration in Front of the National Diet

On the evening of October 30, 2026, a protest demonstration was held in front of the main gate of the National Diet in Nagatacho, Tokyo, organized by the citizen group "WE WANT OUR FUTURE," with about 9,000 participants. The participants expressed concerns and dissatisfaction with the policies of the Takaichi Sanae administration, stating, "We protest against this chaotic politics." The organizers said, "As citizens living in this era, we will not remain silent," calling on each individual to take actions they can. The background includes a sense of crisis that under the Takaichi administration, which took office in October 2025, people's livelihoods have been deprioritized, freedoms restricted, and the country is moving closer to war. [1] [5]

The demonstration took place at night, with participants waving penlights and holding placards with slogans such as "No to constitutional revision" and "Prioritize measures against rising prices." They shouted phrases like "Protect the constitution" and "Japan will be destroyed under Prime Minister Takaichi." The protest was held at the main gate of the National Diet, the political center, serving as a strong expression of political will. Many citizens gathered in response to the organizers' call, sharing their dissatisfaction with politics. [1]

Participants' Claims and Displayed Placards

Participants held placards with slogans such as "No to war," "Protect the constitution," and "Prioritize measures against rising prices," voicing opposition to the use of taxes, security policies, and the reduction of the number of lawmakers. During chants, voices echoed saying, "Use our taxes for our livelihoods," "Don't buy weapons with our taxes," and "We don't need killer drones in Japan." These claims reflect concerns and dissatisfaction with the Takaichi administration's policies. Participants strongly demanded the protection of livelihoods and the maintenance of peace. [2]

Participants chanted in rhythm with lively music, saying, "Use our taxes for our livelihoods," "Don't buy weapons with our taxes," and "We don't need killer drones in Japan." These voices expressed dissatisfaction with tax usage and opposition to security policies. Participants showed a strong desire to protect their lives and demonstrated a stance of speaking out against what they see as wrong in politics. [2]

Speeches by Diverse Citizens and Reading of the Constitution

During the demonstration, young people, students, women, scholars, and lawyers gave speeches one after another, and there were moments when articles of the constitution were read aloud. A participant from Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, held a board opposing the reduction of the number of lawmakers, stating, "We do not want a bill that removes lawmakers who represent the voices of the majority of citizens from the Diet." This showed that diverse citizens expressed their intention to participate in politics. [1]

In the speeches, a woman addressing climate change pointed out, "Climate change is a human rights issue, with people losing their homes and lives." She also argued, "Isn't it the government and companies who are trying to protect themselves rather than the future?" emphasizing the power of each citizen's voice. Such diverse expressions of opinion indicate that the demonstration was not merely a protest but also a venue showing interest in social issues and the will to participate in politics. [1]

Approximately 22,000 People Watched the Internet Broadcast

The demonstration was broadcast online, attracting about 22,000 viewers. Separate from the approximately 9,000 people who participated on-site, many others watched the protest online. This allowed people who found physical participation difficult to take an interest in the demonstration, spreading a new form of political participation. [3]

The internet broadcast conveyed the demonstration in real time, with about 22,000 viewers. This enabled those unable to attend in person to feel a sense of participation, broadening the scope of political expression. Online participation also became a place where opinions both for and against were exchanged, demonstrating a new form of political participation in modern times. [3]

Organizers' Call and Citizens' Determination

The citizen group "WE WANT OUR FUTURE," composed of volunteers in their 20s to 40s, organized the demonstration to call for war avoidance, elimination of discrimination, and protection of livelihoods. The organizers stated, "As citizens living in this era, we will not remain silent," showing a stance of speaking out against what is wrong in politics and calling on each individual to start actions they can take. Such calls encourage citizens' proactive involvement in politics. [4]

The organizers emphasized the importance of raising voices against politics and called on each participant to begin actions they can take. The demonstration was not merely a protest but a venue where citizens showed a proactive attitude toward political involvement. Such movements indicate that the form of political participation is changing, especially among younger generations. [4]