national foundation

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Rallies held in opposition to 'National Foundation Day'

On "National Foundation Day" (*) on February 11, citizens held rallies in major cities in Japan in opposition to the Day and discussed various issues, including the adverse revision of the Constitution, the prime minister's visits to Yasukuni Shrine, and the history textbook praising the Japanese war of aggression.

In Tokyo, the liaison council historians' organizations and the Tokyo Teachers and Staff Union held a rally with about 300 people participating. It adopted an appeal stating that to defend the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution is the way to guarantee Japan's peace and safety and to contribute to international society.

In his lecture on the Constitution and the Yasukuni-related issue, lawyer Sawafuji Toichiro said, "If Japan revises Article 9 and turns itself into a country that recognizes war as an option, preparation for war will be accelerated and citizens' freedom of thought, conscience, and religion be decreased."

A parent of a junior high school student in Tokyo's Suginami Ward which adopted the right-wing history textbook last year reported on activities in opposition to the use of the war-praising textbook at schools.

In Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, about 250 residents held a rally and adopted a resolution calling for a society that makes full use of the spirit of the Constitution.

(*) Japan's "National Foundation Day" became a national holiday in 1967 by law. The legislation was opposed at the time by a wide-range of people because it was apparently intended to restore the prewar celebration of mythical Emperor Jimmu's accession to the throne as "Japan's first emperor." After Japan's defeat in World War II, the prewar holiday was abolished because it was contrary to the principle of popular sovereignty.
- Akahata, February 12, 2006