INTERNATIONAL ROLE OF JAPAN

THE CONSTITUTION OF JAPAN

Promulgated on November 3, 1946
Enacted on May 3, 1947


PREAMBLE:

...We, the Japanese people, desire peace for all time and are deeply conscious of the high ideals controlling human relationship, and we are determined to preserve our security and existence, trusting in the justice and faith of the peace-loving peoples of the world...

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.

Since the birth of Japan's modern constitution in 1947, Japan has had a passive role in security matters throughout the world and in its region. Restricted by Article 9 of its constitution which prohibits Japan from maintaining any war making capabilities, Japan has relied on the US-Japan Security Treaty for military stability in the Northeast Asian region. According to this treaty, American bases are allowed on Japanese soil and the US is obligated to defend Japan. Because Japan is allowed to maintain military forces for defensive purposes only, Japan has sent monetary and technological aid to problem spots in the world.

Japan is the number one donor of official development assistance (ODA) in the world, providing over $13,000 million annually. The ODA is made up of funds and technological cooperation to developing countries and multilateral institutions given by governments of developing countries. Government-funded export credit and direct investment financing, and private-funded export credit, direct investment, and donations are also included.

Times are changing, however. Japan is beginning to take a more active role in security problems in the world, further stretching Article 9. Japan has become involved in peace keeping operations (PKOs). It is also working on an arrangement with the US that would make it a more active partner in Asia. Under the proposed arrangement US forces would be allowed to use Japanese bases and airports for refueling and repairs. Japanese naval vessels would be used to service and refuel American ships. A greater exchange of security information between the two countries would also occur.

In addition, Japan is considering the development of a $20 billion missile defense system. This is in response to China's development of the Nodong-1, which is an updated version of the SCUD missile. Presently, it is considering whether or not to the spend money needed to deploy a Theater High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system. This system would destroy missiles at very long ranges.

There is still a major sticking point with Article 9 of the constitution. A nationwide public opinion poll, however, conducted by Yomiuri Newspaper shows support in Japan for revising the constitution to allow more flexibility in the use of defensive military forces and further development of defensive military technologies.

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Rie Asahina asahiri@earlham.edu
John Bies biesjo@earlham.edu
Akihiko Kawashima kawasak@earlham.edu
Yasuhisa Morita moritya@earlham.edu
Copyright © Johnny B Productions, 1997
Department of Politics
Earlham College
Richmond, IN 47374-4095