Protests Erupt in Tokyo Demanding PM Takaichi's Resignation Over Taiwan Remarks

Protests Mount Against Prime Minister Takaichi

Japanese residents gathered in Tokyo on November 15 and 16, 2025, to protest against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, demanding her resignation. The demonstrations were sparked by controversial remarks she made concerning Taiwan during a recent parliamentary session. Approximately 100 to 120 people participated in rallies held in front of the Prime Minister's official residence in Tokyo.

Controversial Remarks on Taiwan Spark Outcry

The core of the protests stems from comments made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a Diet hearing on November 7, 2025. Takaichi stated that a potential 'Taiwan emergency' involving military force from the Chinese mainland could constitute a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan. She further indicated that under such circumstances, Japan's Self-Defense Forces could exercise the right of collective self-defense. Protesters voiced their strong dissatisfaction, chanting slogans such as 'Retract your remarks and apologize immediately,' 'Takaichi step down,' and 'Those who cannot conduct diplomacy are unfit to be prime minister'.

International and Domestic Reactions

Takaichi's remarks have drawn significant international and domestic criticism. China expressed 'firm opposition and strong protest,' with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoning Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi to lodge a formal protest. Domestically, the comments have also faced backlash. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, during a radio appearance, described Takaichi's comments as 'very close to claiming that a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency,' noting that previous governments had consistently avoided such definitive declarations on specific scenarios regarding the Taiwan question. Despite the growing pressure, Prime Minister Takaichi has maintained that her remarks align with the government's longstanding view and has expressed no intention to retract them.

Implications for Regional Diplomacy

The ongoing protests and the strong reactions from both within Japan and internationally underscore the sensitive nature of Japan's stance on Taiwan. This event highlights the challenges facing Prime Minister Takaichi's administration as it navigates complex regional diplomacy and security issues, particularly concerning its relationship with China and the stability of the Taiwan Strait.