This footage was filmed and produced 28 March 2024.

Shotlist:
1. Various of protesters, banner, placards in Tokyo, Japan - March 28, 2024;
2. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) protester (name not given):
"The Japanese government has been gradually increasing taxes, including the consumption tax, while also raising defense budgets continuously. I believe this is a significant problem. I'm here today because I believe it is crucial to oppose the Japanese government's efforts to increase its defense [budget].";
3. Various of placards, protesters;
4. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) protester (name not given):
"I believe that peace cannot be created through force, and I strongly disagree with the idea that peace can be safeguarded through military means."
5. Various of protesters giving speech;
6. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) protester (name not given) (partially overlaid with shot 7):
"Japan has strayed from its commitment to being a nation of peace, which I find unacceptable. It is necessary to take preventive measures to ensure that Japanese-produced equipment does not contribute to violence in other countries.";
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
7. Protesters;
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
8. Protesters;
9. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) protester (name not given):
"According to Japan's pacifist Constitution, the war must not be waged. Consequently, Japan should never provide weapons.";
10. Protesters, pedestrians.

Storyline:
A number of Japanese gathered outside the Shinjuku Station in Tokyo on Thursday to protest against the government's move to increase its defense budget.

Japan's parliament on Thursday approved the budget for the fiscal year of 2024 starting in April, totaling 112.57 trillion yen (about 743.85 billion U.S. dollars).

Japan's defense budget for the new fiscal year, meanwhile, saw an increase of 16.6 percent compared to last year, reaching 7.92 trillion yen (about 52.33 billion U.S. dollars).

Chanting slogans such as "Military Expansion is Moving Towards War," and "No Military Expansion," local protesters voiced their concerns against the government's move.

Japan's ruling coalition, the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito Party, recently agreed to permit the export of the next-generation fighter jet jointly developed by Japan, Britain and Italy, to third countries.

Protesters said this is a further relaxation of Japan's arms export control and another step contrary to the country's pacifist Constitution.

[RESTRICTIONS: No access Chinese mainland]