Yomiuri Newspaper Opinion Poll

The Japanese constitution has not been revised since its birth on May 3, 1947. Because it has not changed, the Japanese constitution is considered to be the oldest constitution among the developed countries. Since 1947 there has been a growing contradiction between the use of Self Defense Forces and Article 9 of the Constitution. In a nationwide opinion poll conducted in Japan by Yomiuri Newspaper, the largest nationwide newspaper in Japan, 68% of those polled were either "very concerned" or "fairly concerned" by this contradiction. Among the 68%, 85% felt that the constitution should be revised.

The poll also showed that 45% of those polled were in favor of changing Article 9, while 37% were against changing Article 9. The opinion to change Article 9 is mainly due to the Self Defense Forces participation in a PKO after the Gulf War. Since the PKO in the Persian Gulf, many Japanese have felt that Article 9 should be changed to allow Japan to do more in the international community.

Those who support the current form of Article 9 say that the peaceful nature of the article is already embedded in the minds of the Japanese people. In addition, the article enables Japan to maintain a peaceful relationship internationally, allowing it to develop its economy more effectively.

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