On a cold February morning in Tokyo, a small group of elderly women gathered outside the Japanese Diet to protest against the militarization of Japan and to bring attention to the past sexual assaults committed by U.S. soldiers in Okinawa. Led by Koyomi Iwasaki, these women strummed guitars while singing anti-war songs and distributing flyers that voiced their concerns about the implications of U.S. influence on Japan’s military policies. They raised alarm over the recent shifts in Japan’s defense posture, emphasizing that the ongoing pressure from the U.S. government seems to be nudging Japan towards an aggressive stance against China. These protests highlight a growing sentiment among some Japanese citizens who are wary of increasing militarization and uncomfortable with the historical context involving past U.S. military actions. The encounter sheds light on the tension between local sentiments in Okinawa and broader national defense strategies. The women's actions serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against patriarchal structures and foreign military presence, while also sparking a dialogue about Japan's identity and role within the context of U.S.-China relations.