Tuesday, January 15, 2008

The Constitution of Japan - Article 9

I read our Constitution in English. After World War Ⅱ, we changed our constitution and there is very important article in it. This is Article 9 and we call it Heiwa Kenpo. Heiwa means peace and Kenpo means constitution. Japan lost this war at 1945, on August 15. We hoped our peaceful life without war. I want to introduce this article.
Because I honestly feel that this article is great, when I read again.

Chapter Ⅱ Renunciation of War

Article 9.
Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.

We, Japanese need to recognise our past mistakes and keep this article forever. I think that we must continue saying to other people that Article 9 is important in all over the world.

5 comments:

FabrizioTorri said...

somtimes i read in the newspapers that not all japanese agree with you, that there is a resurgence of nationalism, is it true?
In the italian constitution is written "italy rejects war as an instrument to solve international controversies" but this has not stopped italy to partecipate in the two Iraq wars and in many other so-called "peacekeeping" missions.....

Ricky said...

As you said, there might be a few radical nationalists that want to change this Article 9. However, I believe that Japan never go back to past militarism or nationalism. And almost Japanese people support this article 9. As my personal opinion, I think Japan should not have expensive missiles or aviations even though this is a purpose for our defense. Because I think that not having weapons is our resolution that we never fight as if some countries attack us. Japan is only country that 2 atomic bombs were fallen and we know big sacrifice and tragedy. We must appeal for our experience more to the world. Having weapons is a way to our peace.
Do you think my opinion is idealism ?

FabrizioTorri said...

on the contrary, i think that this position is very realistic. i don't believe in a peace maintened with armament and war, it's that idea (a peace through war) that seems illogical to me.
i am an idealistic myself, if for idealistic we mean to believe that the world outside reflect our inner world and our ideas. we can see every day that it's so. many thanks for your reply.

Unknown said...

I interested in an studying the Peace Constitution of Japan at school. Am interested in your opinion and songs coming out during that time like "our Japan". Thank you and I studying in Tokyo.

Ricky said...

Thank you for your first comment.

I'm so sad that there is some ocnflicts even now. We need world peace.
I'm glad you have a interest of Japanese culture. I hope you enjoy your life in Tokyo!