Clued-in | Striking Back at Peace

Shouts of "No to war" and "Protect the constitution" rang out from the audience as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered a guest address at a memorial ceremony on June 23 to commemorate the victims of the Battle of Okinawa, a fierce battle during World War II in which Okinawa locals suffered gravely.

In recent years, the Japanese government and U.S. forces stationed in Japan have continued to strengthen military deployments in Okinawa and elsewhere, building so-called "counterstrike capabilities."

The U.S. Marine Corps in Okinawa recently announced the deployment of the latest anti-ship missile system and air defense system, moves that have fueled growing unease among local residents.

Multiple civic groups in the prefecture have held protests, calling on the government to halt military expansion, demanding the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Okinawa and urging against further escalation of regional tensions.

Only by deeply drawing lessons from history, earnestly abiding by international law and its own "pacifist constitution," and taking concrete actions to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community can Japan choose the correct path — one that is responsible to itself and to the world.