Japan Press Weekly

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2015 January 7 - 13 [POLITICS]

Abe’s push for ‘proactive pacifism’ will damage Japan’s reputation

Akahata editorial (excerpt)

At his first press conference this year marking the 70th year since the end of World War II, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo expressed his intent to improve security-related legislation in line with last year’s Cabinet decision lifting the ban on Japan’s use of the collective self-defense right, and said, “Japan should further contribute to world peace and stability under the banner of proactive pacifism.” What Abe meant under the pretext of making an “international contribution” is that he will seek to turn Japan into a nation capable of fighting wars abroad. His remark also indicates his intent to undermine Article 9 of the pacifist Constitution, the very foundation of post-war Japan.

The Cabinet decision, which Abe made in July last year, paves the way for legislation allowing Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to provide support to foreign troops, including the U.S. forces, in combat zones abroad and use weapons to rescue Japanese nationals overseas, such as NGO activists, who are under attack by militant groups.

However, many international NGOs delivering humanitarian aid in conflict areas are expressing their concerns that the SDF’s use of armed forces will make it impossible for Japanese NGOs to maintain their claim of neutrality and will endanger them. They are also warning that if the SDF points guns at people in other countries, Japan will lose the international trust and Japan may become the target of terrorist attacks.

The Japan International Volunteer Center (JCV) in its statement stated that since the U.S.-led Afghan War started in 2001, Japan has been regarded as the most trustworthy country by Afghan people. As the main reason for this, the JCV cited that Japan has never resorted to force against residents and armed rebel groups while most major countries’ troops dispatched to Afghanistan are relying on armed forces.

Abe is ignoring these warnings. What Abe is trying to do under the guise of “proactive pacifism” will destroy the trust and respect that Japan has enjoyed for 70 years since the end of WWII.

The need now for Japan is to promote a peace diplomacy in line with the spirits of Article 9 of the Constitution. It is essential to build a broader public movement opposing Abe’s move which jeopardizes Japan’s very future.