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Nationwide Protests
Japan witnessed rare nationwide protests against the Iran war on April 8, with demonstrations held across more than 100 locations and drawing nearly 50,000 people according to organizers.
“protests were held across more than 100 locations in Japan, drawing nearly 50,000 people”
The protests were initially sparked by opposition to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's plan to revise Article 9, the pacifist clause of Japan's constitution.
In Osaka, approximately 2,000 protesters gathered near JR Osaka Station, chanting slogans such as No to war and Protect Article 9.
The civic group WE WANT OUR FUTURE organized the protests alongside other organizations.
Participants articulated mounting concern over the intensifying momentum toward constitutional revision.
Police and Public Response
The protests marked the third large-scale anti-war demonstration in Japan and the largest to date.
Police were preventing people from entering the main area due to congestion.
Groups of protesters gathered in small pockets around the area.
The penlight demos were orderly, peaceful, and well-organized.
A small cadre of volunteer staff patrolled the lines along with police.
Article 9 at Stake
Article 9 is Japan's Constitution's no war clause, preventing Japan from engaging in armed conflict overseas.
“Article 9 is the Constitution’s no war clause”
The article doesn't explicitly mention the Self Defense Force.
For years, Japan's right-wing has wanted to revise Article 9.
An NHK poll in 2018 found that 29% supported the revision while 27% opposed it.
In the same NHK poll in 2025, 39% supported changing the Constitution.