Key facts
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was heckled by protesters at a WWII memorial event.
- The protesters were angered by Japan's move away from its pacifist stance.
- Demonstrators specifically referenced Article 9 of the constitution, which renounces war.
- Japan recently loosened rules on lethal arms exports.
- Takaichi is known as a security hawk and has previously made comments about Taiwan that strained ties with China.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faced heckling from anti-war protesters during a speech at an event commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa. Demonstrators expressed anger over Tokyo's recent shifts away from its post-war pacifist stance, including loosened rules on lethal arms exports. Small but vocal groups shouted slogans such as "No to war!" and "Protect Article 9!", referencing the constitutional clause renouncing war. Takaichi, described as a security hawk, acknowledged the sorrow of war victims and bereaved families, stating that Japan values peace and has moved forward without repeating the devastation of war. The prime minister has previously drawn criticism from mainland China for her comments regarding Taiwan.