Tokyo, Japan - May 3, 2024

Storyline:
Over 32,000 Japanese people on Friday rallied at a park in Tokyo, capital of Japan, calling for peace and protection of Japan's Constitution, including the war-renouncing Article 9, as the country marked the 77th anniversary of its pacifist post-war Constitution.

The protesters held placards to voice their opposition to the revision of the pacifist constitution and the military expansion, and called for safeguarding peace.

Article 9 of the Constitution renounces the nation's right to engage in war or to resort to military force to resolve international conflicts and stipulates that "land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained".

However, in recent years, Japan has lifted the ban on the export of fighter jets to third countries, strengthened its military alliance with the United States, expanded its military, and forcibly acquires the "enemy base strike capabilities" by updating the "three security and defense-related documents". These actions have made more Japanese people feel uneasy.

Against the backdrop of the depreciation of the Japanese currency and price hikes, the Japanese government's decision to significantly increase the defense budget for 2024 has caused dissatisfaction and concerns among the Japanese people.

Shotlist:
Tokyo, Japan - May 3, 2024:
1. Various of guest speaking at gathering, protesters, press;
2. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Protester (name not given):
"I believe that strengthening the military alliance with the United States will put Japan in danger. Japan has gradually increased its military spending and intends to export its lethal weapons overseas. This is a very dangerous move."
3. Placard showing "no constitution revision";;
4. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Protester (name not given) (ending with shot 5):
"The Liberal Democratic Party has been proposing to revise the Constitution to include 'emergency clause' in it so as to pave the way for Japan to engage in war. That's what they're really trying to do with the constitution revision.";
5. Various of protesters gathering;
6. Various of members in music industry protesting on stage;
7. Placard showing "against military expansion";
8. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Protester (name not given):
"The increase in military expenditure will impoverish the country and lower people's living standard, which I fear will lead to a national recession."
9. Various of protesters holding placards.

[Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]