May 2, 2026

On May 1, rallies to celebrate the 97th May Day in Japan took place at more than 240 locations across the country, calling for hindering the Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae-led government’s moves toward a revision of Article 9 of the Constitution and the deregulation of the Labor Standards Act, focusing on relaxing working hour regulations.

In Tokyo, braving the cold spring rain, 8,000 workers, mostly affiliated with the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren), took part in the central May Day rally held at Yoyogi Park.

Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Tamura Tomoko delivered a speech in solidarity. She stated that it is unacceptable for the government to move to break free from the constraints of Article 9 of the Constitution, and stressed, “Let us stand against the government intent to go down the path toward creating a war-fighting nation.” She called on rally participants to work together to develop a nationwide movement aimed at achieving substantial wage hikes and a lower consumption tax rate.

Zenroren President Akiyama Masaomi delivered a speech on behalf of the rally organizers. Stating, “No labor movement can exist without peace,” Akiyama appealed for the need to continue striving for lasting peace.

Akiyama pointed out that people are experiencing a cost of living crisis driven by rising prices. Citing the weak yen as the biggest factor for this, he said that the government should be blamed for implementing monetary easing policies and increasing the budget deficit, which led to weakening the yen.

Akiyama stressed that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran has heightened public concern regarding the security of a stable crude oil supply. He said, “Considering that workers make up the vast majority of the population, wage increases that help enhance their livelihoods is needed. Let us work hard to win a further increase in wages, change the government’s economic policy, and strengthen the function of income redistribution through progressive tax policies!”

Representatives of various unions spoke on the stage. Vice chair of the Tokyo Construction Workers’ Union (Tokyo Doken) Sato Yutaka emphasized that escalating tensions in the Middle East have caused a critical situation where material supply anxiety and soaring prices make it difficult to complete work projects and implement price increases. He expressed his determination to work hard to make construction workers’ voices heard in the Diet in order to push the government to meet the union’s demands for ensuring price stability for materials, providing financial support for smaller businesses, and cutting the consumption tax.