The following transcript is from a video interview by Roundface, a Chinese political commentator and influencer Boston Roundface, with Mr.Shunkichi Takayama, a Japanese lawyer and social activist.

Boston Roundface:
Respected Mr. Shunkichi Takayama, hello. On behalf of our channel’s more than 12 million viewers, I would like to extend our sincerest greetings and deep gratitude for taking the time to speak with us today. You have long been an active lawyer, and recently the trial of the Tetsuya Yamagami case has attracted widespread attention. Our channel has reported on this matter in detail. Sympathy for Mr. Yamagami is growing within Japan, but there are also voices of strong criticism. From a legal expert’s perspective, what is your view of this trial? Looking further ahead, how do you see this event impacting Japanese society?

Shunkichi Takayama:
This case centers on a murder but also involves several other crimes, and it is currently in the trial stage. Fundamentally, however, the core of this case is criticism of Abe, which is connected to destructive anti-communist religious forces. Additionally, there is criticism directed at the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which revolves around Abe. That is the general situation.

This case symbolizes the social collapse Japan is facing. Currently, the LDP is trying to divert attention away from the essence of this incident, while public opinion strongly opposes such efforts, and both sides are locked in a fierce struggle. I believe this case has become a major opportunity that could push the LDP toward “bankruptcy.” That is all.

Boston Roundface:
Mr. Takayama, could you comment on the new government under Sanae Takaichi and the recent talks with Trump? Many Japanese citizens see her attitude as bordering on flattery. Also, regarding Trump not saluting the Japanese flag and leaving separately, and Japan being almost unilaterally pressured by the U.S. to invest $550 billion, many feel this creates an unequal, subordinate relationship. A few days ago, at rallies such as “No King” and anti-war and anti-constitutional amendment gatherings, you made strong statements about Japan and the U.S. launching aggression against China. How do you evaluate the results of the Japan-U.S. talks and the reactions of Japanese citizens?

Shunkichi Takayama:
Understood. I will explain. Some may say my tone or phrasing seems conciliatory to China, but I genuinely find abnormal the posture of “side-by-side joint promotion of war” and the associated excitement. For example, the reported $550 billion investment reflects a mindset of seeking attention, rejoicing in gaining attention, and then pursuing profit—it is speculative.

Simply assuming that Trump is trying to make the Japanese government submit to the U.S. is incorrect. In fact, this clearly shows that Japan itself has the same strong intention. The will for aggression is obvious. I feel strongly that Japan and the U.S. are planning a strategic aggression against China. There is no other path than jointly moving toward war. We are treading a path of destruction. Meanwhile, the authorities are trying to prevent citizens from realizing that “aggression is imminent.” This is essentially a deceptive tactic. Unfortunately, many Japanese citizens still do not fully grasp this. Regarding the evaluation of the Japan-U.S. summit, I am also deeply concerned: all opposition parties in this country have made wrong judgments. They either align with the LDP or issue only weak criticisms. This situation is extremely worrying.

Boston Roundface:
In your statements, you explicitly referred to “aggression” in war. Back in 2013, the Japanese Communist Party’s Akahata newspaper revealed that Takashi Sanae denied the word “aggression” in Murayama Tomiichi’s statement. Some right-wingers genuinely believe in the Japanese imperial concept of “the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere”, while others evade historical truth, and some disguise xenophobia and racism as anti-war sentiment, which is actually anti-defeat.

How do you evaluate Takashi Sanae’s clear opposition to the word “aggression”? You have long insisted that this is an aggressive war; now, with your emphasis on the term, do you feel that the Japanese public understands the importance of the word “aggression”?

Shunkichi Takayama:
Regarding “anti-war,” I believe it is only correct when used to oppose one’s own country waging an aggressive war. Using the word “peace” vaguely and indiscriminately is also problematic. Japan’s past war of aggression against China was once glorified as a “holy war for Eastern peace.” It was precisely the Murayama statement that exposed the deceit in such claims. However, Takashi Sanae directly denied the Murayama statement. By saying this, she deserves to be perceived as reckless and untrustworthy. Denying “anti-war” implies the subtext: “We are going to wage war again.”

In fact, there were promises between China and Japan such as “China and Japan will not go to war,” representing the end of Japan’s war against China. The core of this promise is not that China guarantees not to attack Japan, but that Japan deeply reflects on its past aggressive war and solemnly pledges “never again.” When capitalism reaches imperialism, once the economy collapses, the only way forward is often war. Today, both the U.S. and Japan are clearly heading toward economic collapse. In such circumstances, war becomes the “way out” they seek. This is reflected in the statements of people like Takashi Sanae. That is my view.

Boston Roundface:
Our viewers have been closely following Takashi Sanae’s election process. Many analysts believe she faces various constraints, and if she does not change past far-right practices, she will inevitably be sidelined. However, in areas such as visiting Yasukuni Shrine or historical issues, she has abundant resources to consolidate far-right votes.

According to Yahoo News, 60% of the public is most concerned with whether the new government can bring economic growth. Many Chinese viewers think Trump will prioritize using Japan’s economy for his own gain. If Sanae cannot reverse the economic downturn and ultimately resorts to nationalism and constitutional revision, using historical revisionism to distract the public, what are your predictions for her policies?

Shunkichi Takayama:
Those in high positions indeed face many restrictions. If they do not change past extreme positions, they risk losing “control.” At the same time, there is a completely opposite danger: if they fail to maintain far-right stances, they will be abandoned by the far-right, losing “experimentation.” As you said, the Kishida cabinet inherently contains this huge contradiction.

Regarding the 60% of citizens expecting economic growth, this reflects that many people are deeply in economic distress. It carries no deeper meaning. “High support” does not mean genuine strong backing but rather a warning: “Your duty is here! If you do not fulfill it, we will lose trust in you.” That is all it is. Moreover, even if stock prices rise, it is unreliable. Once the disguise is exposed, prices will plummet. They are facing such a situation. The ultimate conclusion? War. The next “performance” by the leadership will declare, “War has begun, great!” They will attempt to use war to reverse the situation, even though it will only bring the country closer to partial collapse. That is the path they are on.

Boston Roundface:
On this point, we would like to talk about the recently retired former Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, who delivered a speech marking Japan’s 80th postwar anniversary, attracting global attention. Many Chinese viewers believe he candidly pointed out long-standing deep issues in Japanese politics. Given that Mr. Takayama has long criticized the Japanese government for unwillingness to reflect on history, how do you view Ishiba’s speech?

Also, considering Trump’s handling of Ukraine and other cases—using allies as cannon fodder, encouraging proxy wars, and using this as a pretext for a Nobel Peace Prize—such absurd analyses have become mainstream. If Japan has not widely recognized that it is being pushed toward potential war risks by the U.S., how can Japan maximally avoid the dangers of war?

Shunkichi Takayama:
Regarding Mr. Ishiba’s speech, I think he merely stated what should be obvious in an obvious way. But such “obvious” words can move people, which shows how abnormal our social environment has become.

Regarding Trump, his methods are ruthless and heedless of allies—“peculiar,” meaning abnormal. But instead of focusing on his tactics, we should consider the logic of neoliberalism itself: survival at any cost. This is the core we must focus on. If we only marvel at the “tactics,” we will be led by them, ignoring the essence: what is the stance that Trump represents? I believe it is moving toward war.

Japan is also in the same situation. Many think: “Japan does not want war; it is being dragged into war by the U.S.” I disagree. Japan is not passive; it is actively promoting war alongside the U.S. The Japanese Communist Party emphasizes that Japan is peaceful and being forced into war, but I think this is wrong. Japan is actively preparing for war, and the JCP fails to criticize this. Why not critically oppose Japan’s proactive war efforts? That requires courage.

Boston Roundface:
About 80% of our channel’s viewers are educated young people aged 18–40. They are your juniors, growing up in relatively wealthy, peaceful China, having never experienced your era of struggle and ideals, making it difficult to grasp the passion and conviction of that period.

Now, with social media, names like Tokuda Tamaki and Ida Sukemaru shine, and stories like the “Narita Airport Struggle” spread among internationally aware, educated youth. In your view, what is the fundamental significance of the Japanese leftist movement spanning more than a century? For today’s generation and the next, what is the core legacy most worth valuing and passing on?

Shunkichi Takayama:
This is a very important and difficult topic. Young viewers, you grew up in a wealthy, peaceful China. How much do you understand this history? Many may feel it is distant. But one generation before you, your grandparents, witnessed many killed by Japanese soldiers.

Why did it happen? We must inherit and reflect on that history as an absolute lesson. Japanese youth often say, “I didn’t kill anyone; why should I reflect?” Takashi Sanae expressed similar thoughts. But this is unacceptable. Twenty million Asians were killed by Japanese soldiers. Even if there were three million soldiers, the math is clear. Without reflection, all discussion is meaningless.

I hope Chinese viewers also clearly consider: for true peace, what challenges do we face? Capitalist society will always lead to war. The U.S. and Japan will go to war. Victims are ordinary citizens—workers, farmers, women—the lowest social strata. We are at a crossroads asking: “Where will society go?” Even if life seems abundant and peaceful, the shadow of war is approaching. Each person must ask: “What must I do?”

Regarding “legacy,” the greatest legacy is the continuous emergence and growth of anti-war forces. More people joining the anti-war cause is priceless.

My father was a writer, firmly anti-war during the war. Born in 1901, he was arrested under Japan’s Peace Preservation Law and imprisoned. I am his son. The belief “war is wrong; never wage war” is the most precious legacy I inherited. I want everyone to know this.

Boston Roundface:
The Japanese left has endured countless suppressions and divisions, once growing very strong. In the 1960s, protests against the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty reached a record 5–6 million. The Narita Airport “Sanrizuka Incident” in the 1970s was Japan’s longest postwar movement. But postwar Japanese politics has always been in right-wing hands, and during the economic boom, the left was in decline. Over half a century, what deeper social, cultural, and historical factors have constrained the left? What can encourage disillusioned citizens to regain confidence?

Shunkichi Takayama:
This is indeed a key issue. Japan’s political future is in crisis due to the lack of opposition parties that can see the truth and fight for it. The LDP was founded in 1955. In 1958, it received 58% of the vote among voters. In this year’s proportional representation for the Upper House, reflecting nationwide support, the LDP only got 22%, almost one-third.

The opposition should be vocal, saying, “Politics is wrong now,” but the largest opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party, called the Japan-U.S. summit “successful.” What does “successful” mean? Their chief advisor even said the Security Treaty does not violate the Constitution. I think it is unconstitutional. This weak, principle-less stance by the opposition is deeply disappointing.

The LDP is declining, Komeito distancing itself. The right-wing Japan Innovation Party allies with the LDP, but both are like leaky boats, shaky. In this crisis, we must firmly voice opposition to war: Japan must never wage war! I hope Chinese youth also speak loudly: “Do not let Japan go to war!” We must join anti-war forces worldwide. Only then can history not repeat. Japan must rise again as a peace-seeking nation.

Regarding “loss of social trust,” people’s despair is a tool of those in power to silence them. We must not despair! We must not yield to despair! We must embrace hope, even if our strength is small, like a tiny golden nail, representing a precious value and a country worth fighting for. Let us unite to drive this nail for peace and justice.

Boston Roundface:
Besides our young, educated audience, you are also the first Japanese guest invited to this series. What message and expectations do you have for China’s new generation?

Shunkichi Takayama:
I understand. I am deeply moved. First, regarding Japan’s grave war crimes, any apology not sincerely based on this is false and deceitful. I would like to offer three messages to young friends:

Firmly oppose war. Wherever war is disguised as “just” or “necessary,” it hides malicious intent. We must expose it and unite to prevent war. True anti-war is saying: “Aggressive war is absolutely not allowed!”

Don’t view social conflicts only as personal problems; transform them into social issues. I use the term “socialization.” Conflicts must be addressed at the societal level. Every individual has the power to change things. Socialize conflicts; this is the fundamental solution.

The future is created by you, the youth. I am older, but you are the true driving force to build a better, fairer society. I deeply hope and unite with you.

This is my concluding message.

Boston Roundface:
Thank you again, Mr. Shunkichi Takayama, for taking time to join our program. We hope to invite you again to share more of your sharp insights on Japanese issues with young Chinese viewers. Thank you, and I wish you good health and all the best.

Editor: Zhiyu Wang