Did you read the news about the judgement of the court about sending SDF troops to Iraq? The judgement says that it is in violation of Article 9 of Japan's constitution. Everyone has known it is a violation, but no other court has made this kind of judgement (or the judges avoided refering to the constitution, especially Article 9...). So, it's a remarkable and important judgement, we think. Many of the people I saw today were glad and excited about the judgement.
Have you ever read Article 9 of the constitution of Japan?
"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 proceeding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces as well as other war potencial, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized."
(from " Nihonkoku kenpou" by Syogakukan)
Most of us, Japanese people, are regretful of World War II. We also remember how we suffered from the war, and so, we have always thought the idea of Article 9 is very important. We want to keep article 9, renounce weapons, and never enter wars again. The matter is not simple, but Japan has not killed anyone in battle during the last 62 years, and it is because we have this article.
From the beginning, there have been people who don't want to accept article 9. Year by year, their power and voice, mainly of the Rightists and conservative politicians, are becoming bigger and louder. They have been preparing to change the constitution, to make Japan a country that can enter wars and attack other countries with its force again. As you know, we have the Self Defence Force, which is one of the biggest forces in the world and always cooperating with the U.S. forces. Our government has explained that it isn't a force, but who believes it? The court of Japan, especially the supreme court hasn't given a judgement that its activities are against the constitution.
What do you think of the philosophy of Article 9? Is it just a dream? Don't you find the same philosophy in John Lennon's "IMAGINE?" He says, " Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one, I hope some day you'll join us, and the world will be as one." There is a network to protect Article 9 in our constitution, and members all over Japan are supporting it. The situation is not easy, but I found one hope:
Do you
know about the "GLOBAL ARTICLE NINE CONFERENCE TO ABOLISH WAR" on May 4-6th? There is almost no information about it on TV or newspapaers(WHY?), and I was informed by my son. My family is planning to join it as a golden week trip, and I'm excited that such a big event about peace will be held. Yes, the philosophy of Article 9 is not only for Japan, but also for the people all over the world, many people have realized it. When we try to make the idea of the article come true, we may be able to change this world filled with violence and disclimination. And, when the value of article 9 is known worldwide, we can have more confidence and power to act to protect it.
2008/4/22
Have you ever read Article 9 of the constitution of Japan?
"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 proceeding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces as well as other war potencial, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized."
(from " Nihonkoku kenpou" by Syogakukan)
Most of us, Japanese people, are regretful of World War II. We also remember how we suffered from the war, and so, we have always thought the idea of Article 9 is very important. We want to keep article 9, renounce weapons, and never enter wars again. The matter is not simple, but Japan has not killed anyone in battle during the last 62 years, and it is because we have this article.
From the beginning, there have been people who don't want to accept article 9. Year by year, their power and voice, mainly of the Rightists and conservative politicians, are becoming bigger and louder. They have been preparing to change the constitution, to make Japan a country that can enter wars and attack other countries with its force again. As you know, we have the Self Defence Force, which is one of the biggest forces in the world and always cooperating with the U.S. forces. Our government has explained that it isn't a force, but who believes it? The court of Japan, especially the supreme court hasn't given a judgement that its activities are against the constitution.
What do you think of the philosophy of Article 9? Is it just a dream? Don't you find the same philosophy in John Lennon's "IMAGINE?" He says, " Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one, I hope some day you'll join us, and the world will be as one." There is a network to protect Article 9 in our constitution, and members all over Japan are supporting it. The situation is not easy, but I found one hope:
Do you
know about the "GLOBAL ARTICLE NINE CONFERENCE TO ABOLISH WAR" on May 4-6th? There is almost no information about it on TV or newspapaers(WHY?), and I was informed by my son. My family is planning to join it as a golden week trip, and I'm excited that such a big event about peace will be held. Yes, the philosophy of Article 9 is not only for Japan, but also for the people all over the world, many people have realized it. When we try to make the idea of the article come true, we may be able to change this world filled with violence and disclimination. And, when the value of article 9 is known worldwide, we can have more confidence and power to act to protect it.2008/4/22
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