Majority upholds Article 9 in local hearing on the Constitution

The first local public hearing on the Constitution was held by the House of Representatives Research Commission on the Constitution in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture on April 16.

A majority of the people who stated their opinion spoke in favor of the Constitution's Article 9, which dashed hopes harbored by the Liberal Democratic Party that such grassroots hearings will help gather momentum towards an adverse revision to the Constitution, in particular, its Article 9 which prohibits Japan from making war or possessing military forces.

In the local hearing in Sendai, six out of 10 people stated opinions in defense of the present Constitution. Two out of the three people who were selected from the general public stated views in favor of Article 9.

A high school teacher spoke about his wish to see young people develop their love of peace, saying, "Article 9 greatly helps school teachers talk about dreams and encourage students to have hope."

A university professor, who was recommended by the Japanese Communist Party, described the no-war treaties and the establishment of the U.N. as 20th century achievements for peace and stated that the Constitution is also a Constitution for the 21st century.

A local town mayor whom the Democratic Party of Japan supported, spoke about what he experienced during his high school days in which he found a shining ideal for peace in the Constitution.

A person who was recommended by the Liberal Party argued that prohibition of military forces and war under Article 9 is hypocrisy. He also claimed that a right to defense, preparation for emergencies, as well as crisis management should be spelled out in the Constitution.

The Research Commission on the Constitution was established both in the Upper House and the Lower House with the aim of carrying out a broad and comprehensive study of the Constitution. But those who want the Constitution amended are eager to raise public awareness about the need for the Constitution text to be changed. (end)