ANTIWAR PROTESTS GROW ACROSS JAPAN

JAPAN- Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets across Japan to oppose Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s efforts to strengthen the country’s military capabilities. Protesters say the government is moving Japan away from its long-standing pacifist identity, with “no war” becoming a common message at some of the country’s biggest demonstrations in years. Since taking office in October, Takaichi has eased restrictions on arms exports, expanded defense cooperation with allies and deployed long-range missiles in southwestern Japan, arguing that the measures are necessary because of rising global security threats. However, critics fear the changes weaken the antiwar principles embedded in Japan’s post-World War II constitution and mark a major shift from the country’s decades-long commitment topacifism.