Japan's Constitution and Defense Policy: Entering a New Era

摘要

Changes in the security environment and the rise of a new generation have ended Japan's taboo on discussion of amending the 1947 'peace constitution.' While many wish to maintain the current document, the center of gravity in the debate has shifted. The movement to amend the constitution is connected to and stimulated by a parallel debate on defense policy. The Japanese government's third National Defense Program Outline is due in late 2004, and its recommendations will affect the ongoing constitutional debate. Few Japanese leaders suggest that the nation should become an independent strategic actor, and the vast majority of the public supports a nonthreatening posture dedicated to cooperation. Thus, the philosophy behind Article IX-that Japan forswears the threat or use of force to settle international disputes-is not seriously at issue. Rather, the focus is on the need to legitimize the existing Self Defense Forces fully and their right to self defense; the issue of collective self-defense; and the future direction of defense policy. However this debate plays out, the alliance with the United States almost certainly will retain a central place in Japan's defense policy. At the same time, the emerging policy will likely emphasize expanding Japan's capacity or a more autonomous defense as well as its wherewithal to participate fully in internationally sanctioned operations.