Core Viewpoint - The 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima was marked by protests against Japan's military expansion policies and calls for adherence to the peace constitution [1][2] Group 1: Protests and Public Sentiment - A large gathering of citizens took place at the Hiroshima bombing site, expressing strong concerns over Japan's ongoing military expansion and the implications of the Japan-U.S. alliance [1] - Protesters held signs with messages such as "The Japan-U.S. alliance is a war alliance" and "Prevent nuclear war," indicating widespread public anxiety regarding military policies [1] Group 2: Government Response - Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio reaffirmed Japan's commitment to the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles" during the memorial ceremony [1] - Hiroshima Mayor Matsui Kazumi emphasized the importance of remembering the nuclear bombing experience and inheriting the peace philosophy, although both officials did not address the historical context of the bombing [1]

Core Points - The 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima was commemorated on August 6, with citizens expressing concerns over Japan's military expansion policies and calling for adherence to the peace constitution [1] - Protesters criticized the Japan-U.S. alliance as a "war alliance" and voiced strong worries about Japan's ongoing military buildup and nuclear sharing discussions [1] - Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio reaffirmed Japan's commitment to the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles" during the ceremony, while Hiroshima's mayor emphasized the importance of remembering the nuclear bombing experience [1] Group 1 - The commemoration event attracted a large gathering of citizens who raised slogans against military expansion and nuclear warfare [1] - The organizing committee representative highlighted the increasing military budget and joint military exercises with the U.S. as steps away from the peace constitution [1] - The historical context of Japan's wartime actions and the suffering inflicted on other nations during World War II was notably absent from the official speeches [2]

Group 1 - The Japanese government has officially released the 2025 version of its Defense White Paper, labeling China as an "unprecedented largest strategic challenge" and accusing it of unilaterally changing the status quo with military strength [1] - The Chinese defense spokesperson criticized Japan for fabricating false narratives to justify its military expansion and for interfering in China's internal affairs, expressing strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition [1] - Japan's military actions, including significant increases in defense budgets and loosening weapon export restrictions, are seen as a serious violation of its "peace constitution" and pose a major challenge to peace in the Asia-Pacific region, raising concerns among neighboring countries and the international community [1] Group 2 - This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the global anti-fascist war, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's return to China, which is considered a significant outcome of World War II and part of the post-war international order [2] - There is a call for Japan to learn from historical lessons, cease its negative portrayal of China, and adhere to the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, particularly regarding commitments related to Taiwan, to promote healthy and stable development of bilateral relations [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese Ministry of Defense expresses strong dissatisfaction and opposition to Japan's 2025 Defense White Paper, accusing Japan of fabricating narratives to justify military expansion and portraying a "China threat" [1] Group 1: Japan's Military Actions - Japan is significantly increasing its defense budget and loosening restrictions on arms exports, which raises concerns about militarization and regional stability [1] - The Japanese government is forming military alliances and engaging in confrontational tactics, which are seen as a revival of militarism that could threaten peace in the Asia-Pacific region [1] Group 2: Historical Context and Implications - The year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War, emphasizing the historical significance of Taiwan's return to China in 1945 as part of post-war international order [1] - The Chinese government urges Japan to learn from historical lessons and adhere to commitments made in the four political documents between China and Japan, particularly regarding Taiwan [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a significant public gathering in Japan advocating for the preservation of the pacifist constitution and opposing military expansion, reflecting widespread concern over recent government policies that may undermine Japan's commitment to peace [1][2]. Group 1: Public Sentiment and Participation - Nearly 40,000 Japanese citizens participated in a rally in Tokyo, emphasizing their support for the peace constitution and opposition to war and military expansion [1]. - The rally featured speeches from various representatives, including lawmakers and ordinary citizens, showcasing a collective call for adherence to peaceful principles [1][2]. - The event attracted a considerable number of young people and families, indicating a generational concern for maintaining a peaceful environment for future generations [2]. Group 2: Criticism of Government Policies - Critics, including political figures and former officials, argue that the government's recent moves towards military expansion contradict the spirit of the constitution, particularly Article 9, which renounces war [1][2]. - There is a call for the government to prioritize resources for education, public welfare, and social structure improvement rather than military spending [2]. - Concerns were raised about Japan's increasing alignment with U.S. military command structures, which some view as a departure from the country's pacifist stance [1].