The Pacifism of the Japanese Constitution

Event Details

Keitetsu Ishimine, a Japanese scholar, discusses contemporary Japanese pacifism. He begins his lecture by explaining Article 9 in the Japanese constitution, which renounces the use of war for political gains. After outlining the process of drafting the Japanese constitution, Ishimine argues that Japan will need to revise its interpretation of Article 9 to protect itself. During the questioning session he addresses Japanese constitutional revision, the Okinawan reaction to the Japanese self-defense forces, Gen. MacArthur?s intentions in the Japanese constitution, and Japanese military spending.