January 25, 2019

A group of scholars of constitutional law on January 24 published a statement in opposition to the construction project of a new U.S. military base in Henoko in Okinawa.

At present, 131 scholars have expressed support for the statement. The number of supporters is expected to increase in the days ahead. This is the first statement of opposition by constitutional law scholars while administrative law researchers in 2015 and 2018 released similar statements of protest.

The statement points out that if the construction project continues as it has in disregard of opposition by local residents, "it will leave a blot on Japanese constitutional democracy," and the statement goes on to demand an immediate halt to the ongoing landfill work in Henoko. High-handedly forcing through the base construction will hollow out the principles of Japan's postwar Constitution: respect for fundamental human rights, pacifism, democracy, and local autonomy.

Shida Yoko, a professor at Musashino Art University, said at a press conference, "Article 12 of the Constitution guarantees the freedoms and rights of the people. These must 'be maintained by the constant endeavor of the people' as the article stipulates."

Past related article:
> Administrative law researchers call for dismissal of defense bureau’s claim against Okinawa governor [October 26, 2015]