May 4, 2026

On the occasion of Constitution Day on May 3, events opposing constitutional revision took place across the country.

Around 50,000 people from all walks of life gathered in a park in Tokyo’s bay area, and enjoyed a variety of activities, including live music, children’s events, panel discussions, and a parade. The event and the musical performances were livestreamed on platforms such as YouTube and Niconico.

Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Tamura Tomoko, Yoshida Tadatomo of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Yamamoto Joji of the “Reiwa Shinsengumi” party, Fukushima Mizuho of the Social Democratic Party, and Iha Yoichi of the “Okinawa Whirlwind” delivered speeches. The Centrist Reform Alliance sent a message in solidarity.

Tamura said, “I’m here at this May 3 rally with a firm determination to build an overwhelming majority of the public calling out to ‘Protect the Constitution!’ and ‘Protect the war-renouncing Article 9!’.”

The JCP chair referred to Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s suggestion of setting a one-year timeline for initiating a constitutional amendment. “Given recent political developments, such as the deployment of long-range missiles and the full lifting of the ban on arms exports, including lethal weapons, it is clear that PM Takaichi is targeting Article 9.”

Tamura emphasized, “The Constitution is a ‘constraint’ on government power which prevents it from ever waging war again.”

Tamura stated, “The Preamble to the Constitution of Japan enshrines that ‘all peoples of the world have the right to live in peace, free from fear and want.’ Its Article 9 stipulates that ‘the Japanese people forever renounce war and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.’ This Constitution is the surest force for bringing about true peace to the world.”

She pointed out that in order to build overwhelming public support for preserving the Constitution, it is necessary to refute the various arguments in favor of constitutional revision, and expressed her determination to take the lead in this endeavor.