Tag - article-9

 
 

ARTICLE 9

A peace rally on Constitution Memorial Day in Tokyo on May 3. Japan’s identity as a pacifist nation is shifting as the government strengthens its military, but many don’t agree with the policy.
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 27, 2024
Government and society are at odds on national security
Tokyo posits itself as a mutual defense ally of the U.S., but polls show that while the public wants a stronger military, changes should align with the peace Constitution.
A boy watches Self-Defense Forces live-fire drills in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, in 2017. Japan’s defense posture is shifting, as the government’s recent approval of new arms export regulations signals.  
COMMENTARY / Japan
Apr 1, 2024
Is Japan leaving pacifism behind?
How a previous generation of Japanese leaders, those who made defense budget and arms export limits a national credo, would view the current shift.
Japan’s Cabinet agreed to ease defense export rules for the nation’s next-generation fighter jet, a concept model of which is seen on display here at a defense show in Chiba in March 2023.
EDITORIALS
Mar 29, 2024
Japan greenlights its defense industry
The government's steps on easing defense export rules will allow Japanese companies to participate more fully in the global market for defense equipment.
Sept. 7, 1998
JAPAN / History / Japan Times Gone By
Sep 4, 2023
Japan Times 1923: Foreigners leave; destroyers are here
When a 7.9-magnitude earthquake hit Kanto on Sept. 1 a century ago, The Japan Times resorted to daily bulletins before returning to normal on the 17th.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jan 3, 2023
A plea and a promise for 2023: No more ‘pacifism’
The characterization of Japan as a “pacifist” country is widespread — and very misleading.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jul 11, 2022
Constitutional revision inches closer in Japan, but actual change still far off
Divisions over what aspects to revise and more pressing political issues for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida could delay change to the top law.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 16, 2021
Tokyo and Canberra quietly reach a major security milestone
Japan and Australia reached a major milestone in their security relationship when, for the first time ever, the SDF executed an 'asset protection' mission with a non-U.S. military unit.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 29, 2021
Understanding Japan’s ‘positive list’ approach to security
The new legislation eliminated the need for special measures laws for the types of operations the SDF had engaged in since 2001 and added new provisions for limited collective self-defense.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 15, 2020
Abe’s last national security legacy for Suga to complete
Tokyo is contemplating setting a new direction for national security policy to cope with missiles targeting Japan.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan / LAW OF THE LAND
Jul 15, 2020
Is the Article 9 labyrinth merely academic?
Numerous creative theories have been read into the Constitution's no-war clause by scholars over the years.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 13, 2020
Now's not the time to debate constitutional revision
The government should focus on coming up with policies to help citizens weather the COVID-19 crisis.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jan 29, 2020
Article 9, ittaika and Japan's liaison officer corps
The Constitution's Article 9 has shaped the SDF in ways that are deeper than most observers, analysts and policymakers realize.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jan 23, 2020
Komeito, the 20-year-old security watchdog
Komeito wields influence in major security policy decisions, especially the one that has most Japan-watchers intrigued: constitutional amendment.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 30, 2019
How socialism and the left wing failed in Japan
Three decades ago, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Malta Summit signified the end of the Cold War and the defeat of left-wing forces, including the socialists and communists.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Dec 28, 2019
Tetsu Nakamura's death in Afghanistan exposes a gap of perception in Japan
Following the assassination of Dr. Tetsu Nakamura in Afghanistan earlier this month, the government of Afghanistan held a memorial ceremony for him as his body was delivered to the airplane that would take it out of the country. President Ashraf Ghani was one of the pallbearers. When Nakamura's coffin...
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 21, 2019
Abe's push to change Japan's Constitution hits roadblock as parties scrap Diet discussion
LDP sources have said the party has all but given up hope of passing the bill this year, reports have said.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 20, 2019
Abe becomes Japan's longest-serving prime minister
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became the nation's longest serving prime minister on Wednesday, beating previous record holder Taro Katsura by having served for a total of 2,887 days.

Longform

Akira Oishi (left) and Shinichi Okanobori have taken on the responsibility of surveying the flora and fauna of Mount Tenran and Mount Tonosu in Saitama Prefecture.
Inside Japan's 100-year project to monitor its deteriorating biodiversity