Jun 24, 2026

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi found herself in an awkward position on Tuesday at a memorial ceremony purportedly commemorating the victims of the Battle of Okinawa. While she was delivering her remarks in Okinawa, protesters chanted anti-war slogans such as "No to war" and "Protect Article 9," with their voices at times drowning out portions of Takaichi's speech.

Not long ago, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi sought to publicly push back against criticism that Japan is moving toward "neo-militarism," claiming that a country possessing neither nuclear weapons nor strategic bombers should not be labeled with the term. Some Japanese media outlets likewise attempt to dismiss concerns about "neo-militarism" as a "cognitive warfare" in the realm of international public opinion.

However, rhetoric from Japanese politicians, the media, or a few so-called allies cannot hide Japan's actions, which clearly show that the country is straying from its postwar pacifist path and edging back toward militarism. Nor can they silence concerned citizens.

Read more:

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202606/1364372.shtml