Japan Press Weekly

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2015 July 15 - 21 [POLITICS]

Miyazaki Hayao: our Constitution makes a clear ‘no-war vow’

Animated film director Miyazaki Hayao on July 13 had a question-and-answer session with journalists of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan at Studio Ghibli in Koganei City in Tokyo, conveying to the foreign press his support for the war-renouncing Japanese Constitution.

Asked about the “security” bills which were about to be put to a vote within a few days in the Lower House, Miyazaki answered that Japan should look for non-military ways to deal with security issues. “In order to find diplomatic solutions without resorting to the use of military force, our pacifist Constitution was formed,” he added.

“Japan’s past wars brought about tremendous devastation and suffering to the people of Japan. So, when the peace Constitution was enacted, it presented a bright ray of hope,” the 74-year-old animator said.

He added, “Our Constitution succeeds the spirit of the 1928 Treaty for the Renunciation of War. I don’t think we should view the Constitution as internationally isolated or that it was forcibly pressed upon Japan by the occupation forces.”

Miyazaki described Prime Minister Abe Shinzo as a fool, sarcastically saying, “Abe wants to leave his mark in history as a courageous leader who changed the interpretation of the Constitution.”

Regarding the situation in Okinawa, Miyazaki as a co-representative of the Henoko Fund said, “More than half the population in Okinawa is against the building of a new U.S. base in Henoko. We will do everything we can until the construction plan of the Henoko facility is abandoned”

Past related articles:
> Miyazaki Hayao becomes ‘Henoko Fund’ co-head [May 9, 2015]
> Anime master Miyazaki Hayao opposes secrets bill [December 4, 2013]