Japanese Demand Scrapping Pacifist Constitution

Around 21,000 Japanese citizens rallied in Tokyo on May 3 demanding that the government amend or scrap the pacifist clause from Japan’s Constitution. This protest, on Japan’s Constitution Memorial Day, marks the latest sign of the nation’s march toward militarization.

The “peace clause”: Japan’s Constitution was written by the Allied forces after Japan’s brutal atrocities during World War ii. Article 9, the “peace clause,” bans Japan from using war to settle international disputes. It was included to prevent Japan from becoming an unhinged military force again.

In the decades since, the nation has moved away from pacifism. It has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to turn the Japan Self-Defense Force into one of the world’s most capable militaries. It has voted to “reinterpret” part of Article 9 and has even sent troops abroad to assist allies.

But the rally shows that, for many citizens, these moves are not enough. They want Japan to be a fully normalized military power.

Champion of constitutional amendment: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is also in favor of constitutional revision. In a video message broadcast on May 3, he said his “top priorities” will include working to change the Constitution.

We need to review it decisively, discuss it, and ask the public to decide.
—Shigeru Ishiba

March toward remilitarization: As the people of Japan see other powers on the war path, they are casting off restraints. The Trumpet watches this trend because the Bible prophesies of a third world war that will involve an Asiatic army of 200 million soldiers. It shows that Japan will serve as a key player in this massive military bloc.

The nation’s march toward remilitarization portends a violent future. Yet beyond that lies the most terrific news.

To understand these prophecies, read our Trends article “Why the Trumpet Watches Japan’s March Toward Militarism.”