Japanese protesters urge halt to Japan-U.S. drills and military expansion, warning deployments on southwestern islands risk regional confrontation

Japanese citizens rallied outside the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on Tuesday evening against ongoing Japan-U.S. military exercises, urging the government to halt military expansion and avoid further escalating regional tensions. Protesters displayed signs reading “Stop Japan-U.S. military drills” and “Oppose war, stop military buildup,” and submitted a written protest to ministry officials.