Nagoya University Festival (Meidaisai)

The Nagoya University Festival, or Meidaisai, is an annual four-day event taking place at Nagoya University. For its 2026 iteration, held from June 11-14, the festival experienced a notable controversy surrounding a planned exhibit by the Japan Self-Defense Force (SDF).

The SDF had intended to showcase a high mobility vehicle, capable of launching surface-to-air guided missiles, and offer visitors an experience of the SDF-style physical fitness test. However, the Nagoya University Union of Faculty and Staff demanded the cancellation of the booth, citing the university's 1987 Peace Charter. The union argued that allowing the SDF booth, which they viewed as a public relations activity aimed at masking its military nature, would trample on the charter's spirit, which declares opposition to academic studies and education aimed at wars. Following the union's demands, the setup of the SDF booth was cancelled.