Japan Urges Myanmar to Restore Democracy and End Violence

JIJI

Japan’s foreign minister has called on Myanmar’s military rulers to swiftly return the country to democratic rule, following the recent lifting of the state of emergency imposed after the 2021 coup.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed serious concern about the direction Myanmar is heading. “Japan strongly urges Myanmar’s military to swiftly restore the country’s democratic political system,” he said.

Under Myanmar’s constitution, a general election is required within six months of ending a state of emergency. But Iwaya warned that holding elections without meaningful political reform could backfire. “If general elections are held without any moves toward political progress, it could provoke a strong backlash from the people of Myanmar,” he cautioned.

He also demanded an immediate end to the violence that has engulfed the country since the coup, and called for the release of political detainees, including ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

“Japan strongly hopes that a ceasefire throughout Myanmar and its credible implementation will be achieved and that all parties will make sincere efforts toward a peaceful resolution,” he added.

Myanmar remains mired in civil conflict, with the military facing resistance from pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed groups. Thousands have been killed or displaced in the turmoil, and international efforts to mediate have so far failed to produce a breakthrough.

Japan, long seen as a key diplomatic player in Southeast Asia, has maintained dialogue with both the junta and opposition figures, while gradually increasing its criticism of the military regime.

With elections on the horizon, Iwaya’s remarks underscore growing international pressure on Myanmar’s generals to take concrete steps toward reconciliation—or risk deepening unrest.

-2025-08-05