Japan Press Weekly

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2012 December 12 - 18 [POLITICS]

Local papers warn of moves against Constitution

Many local papers have run editorials warning that political parties, including the Liberal Democratic, Ishin no Kai, Your, and Mirai no To parties, in their general election promises are proposing to revise the pacifist Constitution.

The LDP, in particular, calls for approval for the exercise of the right for collective self-defense and for redefining the Self-Defense Forces as national defense forces.

An Ehime Shimbun editorial on December 8 stated, “Approval for the exercise of the collective self-defense right will enable the SDF to engage in combat abroad through integration with the U.S. forces, the partner of the SDF in the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. This will probably accelerate a move for Japan to play a role in the U.S. global military strategy in connection with the planned U.S. military realignment.”

Criticizing the redefinition of the SDF as a military force, in the November 29 editorial, Hokkaido Shimbun stated, “A combination of ‘national defense forces’ and the use of the right for collective self-defense will pave the way for participation of Japan’s ‘military forces’ in military operations in other countries. The LDP seems to intend to overturn the post-war history of democracy in Japan.”

Shinano Mainichi Shimbun on November 24 carried an editorial entitled, “Turning point for the Constitution – Stance toward peace becomes focal point.”

Related article:
> LDP election pledges seek exercise of right for collective self-defense [November 22, 2012]