Shunichiro Kobayashi, 19, joined the protests after learning about them on Twitter. He's worried that Japanese forces will be sent to the Middle East and other conflict zones, and that Japanese military lives could be lost. He also says he fears "economic draft," the trend of youth from poor families being forced to turn to the military for work due to a lack of opportunities. "I am rather poor and studying on scholarship. I am worried that economic draft become more realistic in the future," he says.
Shunichiro Kobayashi, 19, joined the protests after learning about them on Twitter. He's worried that Japanese forces will be sent to the Middle East and other conflict zones, and that Japanese military lives could be lost. He also says he fears "economic draft," the trend of youth from poor families being forced to turn to the military for work due to a lack of opportunities. "I am rather poor and studying on scholarship. I am worried that economic draft become more realistic in the future," he says.
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Hiroko Shiomi, a 22-year-old student, traveled from Shiga, west Japan, to take part in the protests. "I made this sign to encourage the people to raise the voice in my region," she says. "I have never seen such a big movement through the country in my life."
Hiroko Shiomi, a 22-year-old student, traveled from Shiga, west Japan, to take part in the protests. "I made this sign to encourage the people to raise the voice in my region," she says. "I have never seen such a big movement through the country in my life."
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Mana Shibata, from the student protest group SEALDs, says, "We do not know a war, never experienced it. But when talking to grandparents, they say they feel a war is getting closer to us." Shibata says she will continue to speak out about the legislation, even when it has passed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "When we stop saying it, he (be) will become a dictator."
Mana Shibata, from the student protest group SEALDs, says, "We do not know a war, never experienced it. But when talking to grandparents, they say they feel a war is getting closer to us." Shibata says she will continue to speak out about the legislation, even when it has passed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "When we stop saying it, he (be) will become a dictator."
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Hidenori Shida, 65, says he is frightened by the idea that a Japanese military bullet one day might kill someone overseas. "Japan is a country which pledged not to fight a war again, to hold no combat power as a remorse after war. We have killed no one in the (past) 70 years. This bill is not forgivable."
Hidenori Shida, 65, says he is frightened by the idea that a Japanese military bullet one day might kill someone overseas. "Japan is a country which pledged not to fight a war again, to hold no combat power as a remorse after war. We have killed no one in the (past) 70 years. This bill is not forgivable."
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Pensioner Mie Inomata, 66, is very angry. She said she was at Monday's protest in Tokyo to speak out for others' families and children. "I have a son, and I have many grandchildren," Inomata said. "When I think about the future of my children, as an adult who is alive, I have to take the responsibility to voice my words -- or else I will regret (it)!"
Pensioner Mie Inomata, 66, is very angry. She said she was at Monday's protest in Tokyo to speak out for others' families and children. "I have a son, and I have many grandchildren," Inomata said. "When I think about the future of my children, as an adult who is alive, I have to take the responsibility to voice my words -- or else I will regret (it)!"
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Married couple Masakazu Suzuki, 65, and Mieko Suzuki, 67, joined the Tokyo demonstration after work on Monday. "The peace constitution formed peaceful post-war Japan. I have taken it for granted, but now I need to wake up and act for the future generation. Japan should contribute to world peace not by the use of force, but by a peaceful way," Mieko says. Masakazu adds, "These bills violate the constitution. We need to replace (Prime Minister) Abe to change Japan."
Married couple Masakazu Suzuki, 65, and Mieko Suzuki, 67, joined the Tokyo demonstration after work on Monday. "The peace constitution formed peaceful post-war Japan. I have taken it for granted, but now I need to wake up and act for the future generation. Japan should contribute to world peace not by the use of force, but by a peaceful way," Mieko says. Masakazu adds, "These bills violate the constitution. We need to replace (Prime Minister) Abe to change Japan."
Yoko Wakatsuki/CNN