On the evening of July 10, citizens across Japan rose up in a powerful wave of protest, gathering at over 130 locations to challenge the government's direction.
In central Tokyo, thousands converged outside the National Diet Building and the Prime Minister's Office, united in defiance of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s controversial policies.
言論最前線『拝啓、路上より - on the road - 』 [Frontline of Free Speech: "Dear from the Road"] - YouTube
Organisers reported a staggering 27,000 participants on the ground, while more than 110,000 people watched the event unfold live online. For anyone familiar with Nagatacho, the national capital area, the scale and intensity of the protest that night were unprecedented.
The protest, called "National Diet Front Action: We Protest Against Outrageous Politics", was organised by the group "WE WANT OUR FUTURE (WWOF)". Lawyers, academics, activists, students, and people from many backgrounds joined to share their concerns about government policies and the direction of Japanese politics.
People raised concerns about increasing living costs, the impact of inflation on households, climate policy, defence expansion following changes to Japan's security strategy, proposed laws that would damage the national flag, and electoral reforms such as reducing parliamentary seats.
For foreign residents and overseas readers, Japan's increasingly restrictive immigration policies are also relevant to this wider political direction. The government has approved a sharp increase in fees for applications to renew or change a person's status of residence, with the new fees scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026. The upper limit permitted by law has been raised to ¥100,000, although the actual amount will vary according to the type and duration of the application.
Japan has also greatly tightened the requirements for the Business Manager status of residence. Since October 16, 2025, the minimum capital requirement for foreign entrepreneurs has increased sixfold, from ¥5 million to ¥30 million, along with additional requirements for employment, experience, and business management. Although this reform took effect shortly before the Takaichi administration began, it forms part of a broader tightening of conditions affecting foreign residents and people hoping to establish businesses in Japan.
These developments are especially relevant to people outside Japan and to foreign residents who are directly affected by the country's changing political climate.
Several speakers shared their views with the crowd, each giving a different perspective. In between, the DJ called out the slogans, including “Don’t you dare waste our tax on buying weapons” and “We feel humiliated by calling Takaichi our PM!” which I certainly could not agree with more.
A mother of three spoke about her worries over rising household costs and the government's military spending.
Lawyer Keisuke Tanahashi warned that criminalising damage to the national flag could threaten freedom of expression and constitutional protections.
SRHR activist Kazuko Fukuda criticised how the government is handling falling birth rates, reproductive rights, and same-sex marriage. She also spoke about the recent rapid passage of the bill amending the Imperial Household Law, saying it is very male-dominated and places women in a lower position.
Lawyer Yuri Kamoda called for changes to Japan's retrial system to help prevent wrongful convictions from being left uncorrected.
Part-time university lecturer Masayoshi Ida said Japan needs to stop relying on fossil fuels and accelerate the move to renewable energy.
A defining moment came when the crowd read aloud passages from the Japanese Constitution in unison, delivering a resounding reminder to the government: true authority rests with the people.
Since February, WWOF has organised several protests in front of the Diet, including "平和憲法を守るための緊急アクション" ["Emergency Action to Protect the Peace Constitution"], to oppose war and what participants see as one-sided constitutional reform. Five events have brought together more than 100,000 participants in total (plus about 300,000 online participants), and people in other cities have also joined.
There are also new types of protest, like "読書デモ" (Reading Demonstrations) and "ピクニックデモ” (Picnic Demonstrations), which help people get more involved in politics beyond just voting.
Large protests outside the National Diet are less common in Japan than in other democracies. Still, Japan has a long history of civic action, from the huge Anpo protests in 1960 to anti-nuclear demonstrations after the Fukushima disaster to more current movements against constitutional changes and military expansion.
I am deeply moved by those who bravely take action despite the sweltering summer heat. Their dedication gives voice to the unheard and pushes back against the government’s heavy-handed exercise of power—a force many fear could edge the nation toward conflict.
Witnessing people come together on a hot, humid evening—choosing action over comfort—left a profound impression on me. Instead of relaxing or enjoying leisure, they stood up for what they believe in.
It also forced me to reflect on the true meaning of politics and the vital role citizens must play. The experience strengthened my resolve to support this cause however I can.
I urge you to watch the YouTube video above to sense the charged atmosphere in Japan today—a stark contrast to the LDP’s increasingly erratic leadership.
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