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Mass Japan Protests Demand Pacifist Charter, PM Considers Revision

5/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Tens of thousands marched in Tokyo and other cities demanding Japan keep its pacifist charter and shift spending to health, education and jobs.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government will discuss revising the constitution, including Article 9, amid calls for a two-thirds parliamentary vote and referendum.
A Yomiuri Shimbun poll found 57 % support for revision, versus 47 % in an Asahi Shimbun poll.

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Story summary

Tens of thousands marched in Tokyo and other cities demanding Japan keep its pacifist charter and shift spending to health, education and jobs.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government will discuss revising the constitution, including Article 9, amid calls for a two-thirds parliamentary vote and referendum.
A Yomiuri Shimbun poll found 57 % support for revision, versus 47 % in an Asahi Shimbun poll.