Citizens' voices growing louder across Japan: Invest in people, not war

On a February evening in Tokyo, I raised my hand during the Q&A session at a public lecture hosted by a Japanese civic group.

The theme was resolute — opposing Japan's military expansion. The main speaker, Akira Yamada, a professor of Meiji University, is known for his research into Japan's modern national strategy, military history, war responsibility and historical memory. The audience sat attentively at a modest venue.

My question was about reports that Japan would increase military spending even further under pressure from the United States. And, while people worry that Japan may return to the path of militarism, how should the society engage people, especially the younger generation, in the movement to protect peace?