Japanese protest bid to revise constitution

TOKYO — A large number of Japanese citizens gathered on Friday evening in Tokyo to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's attempt to revise the country's pacifist Constitution, in the latest sign of mounting pressure on her administration following a series of political controversies.

Nearly 1,000 people attended the demonstration in front of the prime minister's official residence, holding placards reading "Oppose war, defend the Constitution", and "No war, no Takaichi". Protesters chanted slogans such as "No constitutional revision" and "Protect peace", voicing dissatisfaction with the government's direction.

Japan's Constitution, which took effect in 1947, is often referred to as the pacifist Constitution because Article 9 states that the Japanese people forever renounce war and the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes. After being designated prime minister earlier in February, Takaichi reiterated her commitment to constitutional revision, sparking concern across society.