How can we protect peace and security in the world? We will study the pacifism of the Constitution of Japan and international efforts.
Basic Knowledge
Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan provides for renunciation of war, prohibition of maintaining war potential, and denial of the right of belligerency.
At the same time, the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty (concluded in 1951 and revised in 1960) provides a system in which U.S. forces are stationed in Japan and the two countries defend Japan jointly. The Self-Defense Forces (established in 1954) are positioned as an organization possessing capabilities for self-defense.
Nuclear weapons issues:
・Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) (1968): limits nuclear-weapon states to five countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China)
・Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) (1996): bans all nuclear tests
・Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (adopted in 2017 and entered into force in 2021): completely bans the use and possession of nuclear weapons (Japan is not a member)
Japan advocates the Three Non-Nuclear Principles (not possessing, not producing, and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons) and calls for nuclear abolition as the world's only country to have suffered atomic bombings in war.
Article 9 of the Constitution (renunciation of war, prohibition of maintaining war potential, and denial of the right of belligerency)
Japan-U.S. Security Treaty (concluded in 1951 and revised in 1960; U.S. forces stationed in Japan and joint defense)
Self-Defense Forces (established in 1954; disaster relief, PKO, and defense)
Three Non-Nuclear Principles (not possessing, not producing, and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Eisaku Sato)
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) (1968, limiting nuclear-weapon states to five countries)
Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (adopted in 2017 and entered into force in 2021. Japan does not participate)
In Depth (Background and Significance)
Debates concerning Article 9 include the constitutionality of the Self-Defense Forces and the Japan-U.S. security arrangements, as well as the interpretation of the right of collective self-defense (approved by a Cabinet decision in 2014). The Legislation for Peace and Security in 2015 permitted the limited exercise of the right of collective self-defense.
Regarding nuclear weapons, the theory of nuclear deterrence (possessing them prevents war) conflicts with the theory of nuclear abolition (they should be completely eliminated). Although some people in Japan, the only country to have suffered atomic bombings, support the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, Japan has not joined because it is under the U.S. nuclear umbrella. The idea of human security for addressing new threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and infectious diseases is also spreading.
- Article 9 = renunciation of war, prohibition of maintaining war potential, and denial of the right of belligerency
- Japan-U.S. Security Treaty concluded in 1951 and revised in 1960
- Self-Defense Forces established in 1954
- Three Non-Nuclear Principles = not possessing, not producing, and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons
- NPT 1968 = limiting nuclear possession to five countries
- Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons 2017 (Japan is not a member)
- Human security = the idea of protecting individuals from threats
Points to Note (Easily Confused)
① The NPT (nuclear nonproliferation) and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (total prohibition) are separate treaties. ② The Three Non-Nuclear Principles were stated by Prime Minister Eisaku Sato and adopted in a Diet resolution. ③ Distinguish the right of collective self-defense from the right of individual self-defense. ④ The Self-Defense Forces were established in 1954, following the sequence: National Police Reserve (1950) → National Safety Force (1952) → Self-Defense Forces (1954).
Practice
- State the content of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles.
- State the three pillars of Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan.
- In what year did the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons enter into force? Is Japan a member?