On Friday evening (November 28, 2025) in Tokyo, hundreds of people gathered outside the prime minister's official residence to demand Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi retract her remarks suggesting the Chinese mainland's use of force on Taiwan could threaten Japan's survival. This protest follows similar rallies on November 21 and 25.
Protester Tomoko said, 'At present, relations between Japan and the Chinese mainland have cooled down. No matter how you look at it, it's all because of Takaichi's remarks.'
Another participant, Sakamaki, warned that deteriorating Japan–China relations could worsen if Takaichi does not issue a clarification. 'She needs to take responsibility and correct the record before tensions rise further,' he said.
Athlete and illustrator Ryo joined the rally holding a cartoon that portrayed Takaichi shaking hands with a 'specter of militarism', expressing concern that Japan might shift toward a more aggressive defense posture.
At a Diet meeting on November 7, Takaichi claimed the Chinese mainland's potential military action in the Taiwan Strait could create a survival-threatening crisis for Japan, even implying possible armed intervention. Her comments drew immediate domestic criticism, but she has refused to show remorse or retract her statements.
Major Japanese newspapers weighed in this week. An editorial in Mainichi Shimbun described Takaichi's defense of her remarks during a party leaders' debate as an attempt to abdicate responsibility. Asahi Shimbun's editorial also noted there was no sign of reflection from the prime minister.
As tensions simmer, protesters say they will continue to organize until Takaichi publicly clarifies her stance and eases worries about regional stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
