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Life Onboard |
LAST UPDATE
November 1, 2005
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| September 16, 2005 |
Keeping the Peace in Japan’s Constitution – John Junkerman |
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| John Junkerman leads the third in a series of group discussions about the significance of Article 9 in Japan’s past and future |
Documentary filmmaker John Junkerman was onboard Peace Boat from Japan to Singapore to present his latest film, titled ‘Japan’s Peace Constitution’. Bringing fresh perspectives from commentators around the world about Japan’s controversial Article 9 – which concerns the military of Japan – the documentary provided great stimulus for in-depth discussion and action among Peace Boat participants. |
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What is Article 9?
Chapter II: Renunciation of War
Article 9
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Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.
- In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.
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| On September 9th a group of Peace Boat participants formed a giant “9” on the deck, in support of Article 9 of Japan’s Constitution |
Article 9 is the so-called “No War” clause in Japan’s constitution which prohibits Japan from waging war. Article 9 has been credited as the reason Japanese forces have killed no one since the end of World War II. Adopted in 1947 during the Allied forces’ post-war occupation of Japan, it forbids Japan from maintaining military forces. It is currently interpreted as a renunciation of the use of force in international affairs, but not a renunciation of the national right to self-defense. Since 1954 it has been interpreted to allow Japan to have a self-defense force, and since 1990 troops have been sent overseas on peacekeeping missions. More recently, self-defense forces have been sent to war zones in Iraq to assist with aid and reconstruction. This has further sparked a longstanding debate over whether to change Article 9 of the Constitution and allow Japan to resume full military power.
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Peace Boat web reporter Jane Easton asked John Junkerman a few questions about his documentary film and Article 9.
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| An Article 9 Evening Discussion Group quickly evolved as a result of John Junkerman’s visit to Peace Boat |
Jane: What is the focus of your documentary, ‘Japan’s Peace Constitution’?
John: It focuses on the constitution in an international context. It’s based on interviews with historians and activists from eight countries, and highlights that the revision of the constitution is not just of concern to Japan, but the international community – particularly to Japan’s Asian neighbours.
Jane: What inspired you to make this documentary?
John: I’ve long had great deal of respect for Article 9 and Japan’s pacifism. In recent years it’s become increasing clear that Article 9 is in danger of being eliminated. The discussion has been taking place in a narrow and a historical framework. I felt it would be useful to provide a broader and more historically nuanced interpretation of the issue.
Jane: Do you think the significance of Article 9 is understood amongst most Japanese people?
John: There is a lack of awareness of the real meaning and significance of Article 9 in Japan. Japan has been at peace for so long that people have become less attuned to the need to protect Japan’s pacifist stance to the world. However people are awakening - luckily - and there are many groups throughout Japan dedicated to raising more awareness.
Jane: What do you think needs to be done in order to reduce tension in East Asia?
John: Japan needs to pay more attention to its Asian neighbours and less attention to the United States’ program for the world. A dialogue and a proper understanding of Asia is necessary. Also, Japan needs to go beyond that in a forward-looking manner, by engaging with Asian neighbours to create a peaceful region. For example, by signing non-aggression treaties with neighbouring states.
After viewing John’s documentary, Peace Boat participants were involved in a series of discussions to learn more about the Constitution, and talk about the importance of peaceful relations between Japan and other countries. For example, a group of young people made a poster in order to gather opinions about what Article 9 means to them. A group of older participants initiated a regular evening study group to debate and discuss the significance and future of Article 9. |
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| John Junkerman (center) during a panel discussion with fellow guest educators My Doan Takasaki and Kip Cates |
John reminded participants as they crossed the calm blue Pacific Ocean to remember that beneath the beautiful Pacific Ocean lay wreckages from various wars, including the Pacific War. An elderly woman from Tokyo recounted her memories of daily air strikes in Tokyo during World War II, while Vietnamese guest speaker My Doan Takasaki told her horrific experiences of the US – Viet Nam War. By listening to personal stories, young participants gained a sense of the atrocities created by past war. |
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John said his experience on Peace Boat was very gratifying, as so many participants were eager to learn more about the Constitution, and Japan’s past and future role in the world. “It was an eye-opener for many people. Several people said they hadn’t really thought about the constitution until they saw the film,” he said.
John aims to continue to encourage people to think more about what Article 9 means to them, and to talk to others about its significance. “Article 9 needs to be protected. The reason Japan hasn’t joined a war in 50 years is because of the Constitution. It’s not too late – Japan could easily take the leading role in finding peaceful solutions,” he said.
In addition to Japan’s Peace Constitution, John also introduced several of his other documentary films including Chomsky 9.11 Power and Terror – which was aptly screened on September 11 and included a discussion of the ideas of US political analyst and left-wing icon, Noam Chomsky. The Old Man and the Sea (‘Umi to Rojin’ in Japanese) – which was filmed in Okinawa, was also screened onboard. |
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