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Article 9

posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 12:40 AM

Japan has something truly wonderful to offer the world. Something unique, something that makes a powerful statement, and something that if adopted by other countries would drastically reduce violence and suffering there is in this world. What is that? It is Article 9 of the Japanese constitution.

Article 9 states:
"The Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes."
The second clause goes on to say, "land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potentials, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized."

In essence, Article 9 is a constitutionalized renunciation of war. Period.

While Article 9 has been part of the constitution since its inception in 1947, recently it has come under attack and there is talk of rewriting the constitution. Some of the reason given to amend it have to do with the Article 9 does not accurately reflect the current state of Japan's foreign policy. Since the Cold War, Japan has created a Self Defense Force and currently has troops in Iraq and Afghanistan assisting in non-combat humanitarian efforts. In amending the article, Japan may be able to play a more active role in world politics and supporting US troops in their military endeavors.

I am currently making a film on Article 9, with the angle of looking at the movement to preserve it. Next weekend, May 4-6 will the be the Global Article 9 Conference just outside of Tokyo. To learn more about Article 9 and the various activities please click here and here.

What if constitutions around the world adopted similar article as that of 9 in Japan? What kind of world would we live in then?
Comments
Barry Crisp
Sunday, April 27, 2008 07:20 AM

Hi Megumi! Thanks for updating you profile, and blog. I look forward to reading your review/feedback blog with regards to the Article 9 conference. Speak soon.

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