On the evening of November 21, 2025, Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward transformed into a scene of civic passion. Hundreds of people gathered outside the Prime Minister’s Office to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks on Taiwan.
Critics say those comments made during a Diet meeting earlier that day were erroneous and risked inflaming regional tensions. Protesters demanded the prime minister retract her statements, offer a public apology and take responsibility for the fallout.
Armed with signs reading Retract the remarks, oppose war 📢, It’s Takaichi who is causing the so-called contingency and Takaichi resign ✊, the crowd chanted slogans like No revival of militarism and Peace first! 🕊️ The energy was electric as fears grew that careless words could escalate into conflict.
Yuto, a 22-year-old political science student, said he was worried the remarks could spark a crisis across the Taiwan Strait. He added that young people cannot stand by when leaders toy with the idea of war.
Many attendees voiced deep concerns about Japan’s future direction. With memories of past conflicts still in living memory and a new generation facing global uncertainties, the demonstration became a rallying point for peace advocates.
As of November 22, the Prime Minister’s Office has not issued an official response. But the protest underlines growing public scrutiny of how Japan navigates complex cross-strait ties and its own defense policies.
For now, Tokyo's streets remain a canvas for citizens’ demands: transparency, accountability and above all, a commitment to peace. The question on everyone’s mind is whether these voices will prompt a meaningful apology or even a cabinet shake-up.
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Japanese citizens protest PM Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan
cgtn.com
