Voices
in
Japan

have your say

Japanese nationalists see the constitution as a humiliating relic imposed by U.S. occupiers after Japan's defeat in World War II, while many other Japanese feel strongly attached to the document's pacifist ideals. What is your view of the issue?

15 Comments

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

15 Comments
Login to comment

These dusty old nationalists have so little power and weight behind anything that spews from their wrinkled faces that no one listens to or cares what they think.

I think we all know who the humiliating relics are...

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Let's compromise - ditch the nationalism and the remaining occupation but keep the constitution as it is.

Now, more than ever, pacifism is something to cherish.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

While both sides have their own beliefs on this issue, the world today is better off with more countries being a Pacifist, not to mention that being interconnected via globalization makes it harder for armed conflict to happen because you might rock the proverbial boat too much and end up in the drink yourself. Japan as it is, is already on a good track despite the increasing threats from its neighbors (just remember that the monkey mind). Threats will always exist no matter what, but you can still address it while having pacifist ideals. If its just the words in the Constitution that the nationalists are grumbling about, I agree with Toasted Heretic, change it by all means. It won't change the people's ideals any time soon anyway.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

When the majority of Japanese people want the constitution changed - however they want it changed - then I think we who are immigrants here without local family or PR have no choice but to support it.

That said, the nationalists and Nippon Kaigi are not the majority, and they usually play political games to try and slip talk of change to the constitution through when the Japanese public at large has other, more pressing concerns. And as far as I'm concerned, people who do that can go take a flying leap.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

When the majority of Japanese people want the constitution changed - however they want it changed - then I think we who are immigrants here without local family or PR have no choice but to support it.

Tolerate, sure. What other choice is there for non-voting residents but "support"? Why do you think anyone would need to get behind any issue regardless of their opinion? Apologies if that's not what you meant.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I think the world needs to do everything they peacefully can to stop Japan from overturning Article 9. It's the only firebreak to stop the descendants of those who, effectively, started the war from doing it again.

Japan may appear to have changed on the surface, but many of the factors that enabled colonial Japan to rise are still lying dormant under the surface.

Japan started the war, lost the war - and the constitutional changes were brought about as a result. That's just how it goes.

For those who think, 'Give Japan a break, it's been a long time etc'; ask yourself, honestly, how kind colonial Japan would have been to their conquered territories had they won the war. Do you think they would have let them peacefully continue? Look to Manchuria and Korea for hints to that answer. You could even look at modern Japan and their ethical standards in regards to work and education as a clue, also.

I am staunchly against Japan changing the constitution until they do more to put their government and keepers in check, and bring about positive societal, and cultural changes.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

@AgentX spot on Japan may appear to have changed on the surface, but many of the factors that enabled colonial Japan to rise are still lying dormant under the surface.  Japan started the war, lost the war - and the constitutional changes were brought about as a result. That's just how it goes.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I think if you combine both views it’s somewhat accurate.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Two things:

1, best thing was Japan LOST WWII!

New constitution!

If you want an idea of where Japan might have ended up I refer you to AgentX's 2:36 post where the topic is nailed quite well!!

I mean can anyone honestly imagine the HELL that would have prevailed if Japan had won WWII & could you imagine the HELL it would have been like living in Japan if Japan had one!?!? Hint living in Japan was HELL for Japanese in the 1930's-40's

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I would be very uneasy at Japan changing it's constitution.

Japanese law (rule of law) just does not seem able to keep nationalists under control.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The same pacifist ideals should be in the constitutions of ALL nations.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

The same pacifist ideals should be in the constitutions of ALL nations.

Totally agree! And for those that think I am just some kind of Japan-basher; I think the US should most definitely be the first to have anti-offensive clauses written into their constitution.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Equality for all people under the law, equality of the sexes, equal voting rights for all citizens, right to compensation from the state, free obligitory education, no arrest without a warrant, right to a free and speedy trial. etc etc

If only they were practiced in reality...

And Japan, was most DEFINITELY better off with GHQ's interventions in the old constitution. In fact, GHQ should have done more.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Japanese nationalists see the constitution as a humiliating relic imposed by U.S. occupiers after Japan's defeat in World War II, while many other Japanese feel strongly attached to the document's pacifist ideals. What is your view of the issue?

First bring conscription back with a public decree that anyone displaying nationalist sentiment will be the first to be drafted. Then lets see how much they want to change the constitution. Its very easy to go nationalistic when you're not on the front lines.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites