May 26, 2025

Holding up colorful placards reading, “Protect Democracy!” and “Don’t change the Constitution!”, 1,100 young people across the country on May 25 paraded through the Ginza district in central Tokyo.

They walked in rhythm to the rap music emanating from a campaign van, chanting in chorus, “No to huge military buildup!”, “Gov’t should work for a stable rice supply!”, and “Gov’t should lower the consumption tax rate!”

A demonstrator emphasized the importance of peace diplomacy and said, “The government should use tax revenues for social welfare, nor for military expansion.”

A 25-year-old woman working at a pharmacy in Nagano Prefecture pointed out that due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, some patients are struggling to afford medicine and said, “I want to change the government to one ensuring that everyone can receive healthcare services without financial anxiety.”

A Hokkaido University student who came from Sapporo City to join the parade said, “I’m majoring in math and science at university. I’m opposed to the promotion of research and development for military purposes. I want the government to take action to reduce tuition fees.”

At a rally held in advance of the parade, Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Tamura Tomoko delivered a speech in solidarity. Expressing her respect, she said that she is glad to know that young people expanded their grassroots network nationwide aimed at opposing Japan’s possession of an enemy base attack capability and its major military buildup. She mentioned young people’s anti-Trump movement in the United States, and added, “Let us connect with more young people in order to realize a future without war and make the best use of the Constitution!”