Protesters in Tokyo rallied against Japan's decision to ease long-standing arms export restrictions, arguing it erodes the nation's pacifist tradition. The move, announced by the Prime Minister’s government, marks a major shift as Japan seeks to boost its defense ambitions and enter the global arms market.

Protesters gathered in Tokyo on Friday to rally against Japan’s decision to ease decades-old arms export curbs, which critics argue erode the country’s post-war pacifist tradition. The new rules permitting the sale of lethal weapons overseas signal a major shift, as Japan ramps up its defence ambitions and seeks to enter the global arms market in part to boost economic growth. The move, announced this week on Tuesday by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government, has been met with some criticism...